Pro bono publico
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pro bono publico (often shortened to pro bono) is a phrase derived from Latin meaning "for the public good". It is used to designate legal or other professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, as a public service. In some cases pro bono counsel may assist an individual or group on a legal case, in filing government applications or petitions or on appeal. If the case is won, occasionally the Judge may determine that the loser should compensate the pro bono counsel.
In the UK, "pro bono publico" is sometimes used to describe the central motivation of large organisations such as the BBC, the National Health Service and various NGOs, which exist "for the public good" rather than for shareholder profit.
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[edit] Requirements and recommendations for service
Lawyers in the United States are recommended under American Bar Association (ABA) ethical rules to contribute at least fifty hours of pro bono service per year [1]. Some state bar associations, however, may recommend fewer hours. The New York State Bar Association, for example, recommends just twenty hours of pro bono service annually [2], while the New York City Bar promulgates the same recommendation as the ABA [3].
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ ABA Model Rule 6.1 Voluntary Pro Bono Service
- ^ NYSBA | Pro bono defined
- ^ New York City Bar Association Releases Statement of Pro Bono Principles
