Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen. Adapting to a new culture during his formative years in the United States shaped his resilience and worldview. The challenges of starting anew gave him a profound appreciation for the immigrant journey, instilling empathy and a lifelong commitment to helping others manage complex transitions with clarity and confidence.
Having traveled to over 150 countries, Petro developed firsthand insight into varied legal systems, economies, and cultures. This extensive experience enables him to connect authentically with clients from diverse backgrounds and navigate complex international legal matters with precision and expertise. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian, and conversant in German and Mandarin Chinese, he bridges linguistic and cultural divides with ease and professionalism.
Petro’s education mirrors his global outlook. He graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, earning a B.A. in History with a focus on Latin American political and economic development. He then pursued an M.A. in Political Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he also obtained a certificate in International Law with an emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean.
While in law school, Petro worked at the Supreme Court of Argentina, observing the practical application of constitutional and administrative law. Beyond his legal degrees, he earned a B.S. in Aviation and a certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His additional training in aviation safety and compliance through the IATA program broadened his ability to advise clients across specialized fields.
After conducting early legal research and completing international internships, Petro Kostiv founded Kostiv & Associates, a growing firm with offices in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami. His practice encompasses immigration, investment, and aviation consulting, drawing on years of courtroom experience before federal courts, embassies, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. His work has taken him across Europe, Asia, and Latin America, where he has handled matters personally for his clients.
As both a private and commercial pilot, Petro holds single and multiengine ratings and is certified by the FAA as a flight and ground instructor. His technical understanding of aviation law enables him to provide expert advice on aircraft transactions, insurance, and compliance issues with exceptional depth and precision. Clients value his rare ability to interpret aviation’s technical and regulatory frameworks through a legal lens.
At Kostiv & Associates, Petro’s leadership emphasizes disciplined preparation, effective communication, and transparency. He guides teams through complex legal issues with structured processes that ensure every client is informed and supported. His emphasis on organization and accountability has built the firm’s reputation for reliability, efficiency, and long-term client trust across jurisdictions.
An advocate for education, Petro designed a course on the U.S. legal system for Kiev University of Law and lectures internationally in Beijing, Rome, San Salvador, and Kyiv. His presentations integrate legal theory with real-world cases, encouraging students and professionals alike to approach global law with analytical precision and practical understanding.
Beyond his legal career, Petro devotes time to humanitarian causes. Together with his wife, he sponsors an orphanage in Tanzania and supports children’s homes in Mexico and Central America. Following the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City and during the 2020 pandemic, he led aid efforts for families in need, reflecting his belief that service is an integral part of professional life.
Today, Petro Kostiv serves as president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, working to strengthen ties between the Ukrainian diaspora and domestic institutions. He remains active in international legal circles, mentoring young attorneys and fostering reform. Guided by preparation, empathy, and purpose, Petro continues to expand his firm, share his expertise, and make meaningful contributions to both the legal and global communities.
