What is pro bono?
<p>I heard someone say;
"I used to work with you for free. Now I'm gonna do it pro bono"
And I thought he just repeated himself. But I want clarity. So what does pro bono actually mean?</p>

<p>My understanding is that "for free" is simply "for free", but <em><a href="http://www.americanbar.org/groups/probono_public_service/policy/aba_model_rule_6_1.html" rel="nofollow">pro bono publico</a></em> refers to a subset of free work aimed at certain recipients, specifically those unable to pay, or charitable, civic etc. organizations on behalf of such people, or (to a lesser extent) a worthy organization of limited means for free or reduced rates. So working for Bill Gates for free would not be <em>pro bono</em> work, since he has no problem with means.</p>

<p>"Pro bono publico" == For the good of the public.</p>

<p>It's normal usage is in the context of legal services provided for free, as in:</p>

<p><a href="http://www.probononj.org" rel="nofollow">http://www.probononj.org</a></p>

legal-terms lawyer fees