What does "pro bono" work refer to?

The term "pro bono" refers specifically to legal services that are provided free of charge or at a significantly reduced fee to individuals or groups who cannot afford to pay for such services. This practice is rooted in the principle of providing access to justice for everyone, irrespective of their financial situation. Many lawyers and paralegals engage in pro bono work as a way to give back to the community and help those in need navigate legal issues that they may not have the resources to address otherwise.

The other options do not align with the definition of pro bono work. A contract between a client and a paralegal pertains to the formal agreement regarding the legal services to be provided and the fees involved, which is not related to the concept of pro bono. A type of criminal defense describes a specific area of law and does not inherently relate to the cost or fee structure of legal representation. Legal advice given over the phone can be a part of regular legal services, but it does not specifically denote whether those services are offered pro bono or at a cost.