My name is Ivan Steele, and I am a Canadian immigration and family lawyer. I also happen to be someone who has chosen to live a Buddhist path of Boddhisatva training and  life rooted in non-attachment, compassion, and the Buddhist practice of Dāna—the perfection of generosity. This post is not about self-promotion, but a call for the colleagues in my profession to re-consider their business paradigms. 

In a society where success is often measured by how much we own, I have taken a different path. Over the last several years, I have chosen to give away what I spent years building and accumulating.

I gifted my Jeep, sold my century-old home, and donated countless family heirlooms and artworks passed down through generations—all in service of a life that prioritizes freedom from clinging, and radical care for others. I retain only a small portion of income, enough to cover my elderly mother’s care and my family’s basic expenses. Instead, almost 90% of what I earn goes directly to individuals in need, grassroots charities, and causes close to my heart and monastic communities. This is not an advertising gimmick nor a passing act of charity. It is a form of liberation—for me, and I hope, for others.

What This Means for My Clients

I still practice law with care, precision, and professionalism- from academic research to occasion client work. In fact, my legal work is stronger and more focused than ever, because I’m not working from a place of personal gain—I’m working from a place of genuine service.

• I offer collaborative, trauma-informed support in immigration and family law.
• I advocate for those often overlooked by the legal system.
• I see every case as an opportunity to ease suffering, restore dignity, and open new doors.

You are not just a file to me. You are a fellow human being navigating complex life transitions—and you deserve a lawyer who sees that clearly.

Why I Live This Way

The Buddhist path teaches that nothing we own can bring lasting peace. In letting go of material possessions, I’ve discovered something far more precious: clarity, connection, and the joy of giving without expectation.

This is the heart of Dāna.
This is how I practice law.
This is how I live.

If This Resonates With You…

Whether you’re a potential client, a fellow lawyer, or simply a curious visitor, I welcome you to connect. Let’s reimagine what it means to live—and to serve—with integrity, simplicity, and love.

????️ “Letting go isn’t losing. It’s returning to what you truly are—open, generous, and free.”