Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen, where he learned to navigate new systems, cultures, and expectations. This formative experience instilled resilience and a deep empathy for others, enabling them to adapt to new environments. Over time, his journey inspired a career dedicated to guiding individuals and businesses through complex transitions. Having visited more than 150 countries, Petro possesses unique cross-cultural and comparative legal insights that shape his global practice.
A multilingual professional, Petro speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian fluently, with proficiency in German and conversational Mandarin. His education reflects his international mindset. He earned his B.A. in history from the University of California, Berkeley, with a concentration in Latin American development, followed by an M.A. in political science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. He later received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School, with a specialization in international law.
While in law school, Petro worked at the Supreme Court of Argentina, observing the intersection of constitutional and administrative law. In addition to his legal credentials, he holds a B.S. in Aviation and a certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After having several research and internship positions, Petro founded Kostiv & Associates, now a multi-office law firm serving clients in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami, with a focus on immigration, investment, and aviation law.
Petro combines deep legal expertise with advanced aviation knowledge. He is a licensed private and commercial pilot with single and multiengine ratings, instrument certification, and FAA instructor credentials. His training encompasses aviation safety, accident investigation, and airline contracts, making him an indispensable resource for global operators and insurers. This dual proficiency bridges technical aviation principles with regulatory compliance and legal analysis.
As managing partner, Petro leads his firm with an emphasis on structure, transparency, and client communication. He also designs and teaches courses on the U.S. Legal System, lectures internationally, and mentors young professionals across multiple jurisdictions. His humanitarian projects include supporting orphanages and disaster recovery initiatives in Latin America and Africa.
Today, as president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, Petro Kostiv advances reform efforts and strengthens the relationship between Ukrainian and diaspora professionals. Guided by discipline, empathy, and a belief in the power of purposeful action, he continues to expand his firm’s reach while contributing to education, law, and community development worldwide.
