Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine, where he spent his formative years before immigrating to the United States at the age of 18. This bold move, made during a crucial stage of personal and academic development, instilled in him a profound sense of perseverance and adaptability. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and environment allowed Petro to view the immigrant experience from a deeply personal perspective—one that would later inspire his professional dedication to helping others navigate complex transitions and challenges in foreign environments.
Having traveled to over 150 countries, Petro has gained invaluable firsthand insight into different legal systems, economies, and cultural practices. This extensive global exposure enables him to relate naturally to clients from diverse backgrounds and to approach his legal practice with empathy, cultural awareness, and strategic precision. In addition to his global experience, Petro’s linguistic abilities further reflect his international mindset: he speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian fluently, reads German, and communicates conversationally in Mandarin Chinese.
Academic and Professional Education
Petro’s academic journey mirrors the global diversity of his career. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on Latin American political and economic development. His curiosity about global systems led him to South Africa, where he pursued a Master of Arts in Political Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, deepening his understanding of comparative politics.
Determined to integrate his passion for global issues with law, Petro continued his education at the University of Michigan Law School, earning a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Certificate in International Law, with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean. During his studies, he spent a summer in Buenos Aires, Argentina, working at the Supreme Court of Argentina, where he gained practical experience observing constitutional and administrative law in action.
Beyond his legal credentials, Petro expanded his technical knowledge through a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and a Certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as completing an IATA program in aviation safety and compliance. His multidisciplinary education underscores his intellectual curiosity and capacity to bridge technical, legal, and cultural disciplines with equal mastery.
Early Career and Legal Practice
Petro’s professional journey began with local internships and research roles on international legal cases. These early experiences exposed him to the intricacies of cross-border law, inspiring him to establish a firm that provides global legal solutions. After working with specialized firms handling international transactions, he founded Kostiv & Associates. This law firm has since expanded to multiple offices across Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami.
As the Managing Partner, Petro oversees a wide-ranging practice that includes immigration, business law, investor support, and aviation consulting. His work regularly involves representation before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, federal courts, and international embassies. Petro’s personal engagement with clients, combined with his extensive global experience, allows him to offer grounded, pragmatic solutions tailored to diverse legal needs.
Aviation Expertise and Credentials
What sets Petro Kostiv apart from many legal professionals is his dual mastery of aviation and law. As a licensed private and commercial pilot with single and multiengine ratings, Petro also holds instrument ratings and certifications as an FAA-certified flight instructor, instrument instructor, advanced ground instructor, and ground instrument instructor.
His aviation knowledge extends into specialized fields, including aviation insurance, aircraft finance, and airline contracts. Having completed professional training in aviation accident investigation, Petro is uniquely equipped to handle cases involving regulatory compliance, risk management, and aviation law. This blend of technical and legal expertise has positioned him as a trusted advisor to airlines, insurers, and aircraft owners worldwide.
Leadership and Firm Management
As the leader of a multi-office law firm, Petro emphasizes efficiency, clarity, and communication. He has cultivated a team culture grounded in meticulous planning, client transparency, and operational discipline. His management philosophy centers around systematic preparation—utilizing checklists, meetings, and progress tracking to ensure clients are consistently informed and confident in their legal representation. Under his leadership, Kostiv & Associates has built a reputation for reliability, responsiveness, and international competence.
Academic Contributions and Public Speaking
Beyond his legal work, Petro is a passionate educator and advocate for legal knowledge-sharing. At the Kiev University of Law, he developed and taught a course on the U.S. Legal System, designed to familiarize students with the inner workings of American courts.
He has delivered lectures and workshops in Beijing, Rome, San Salvador, and Kyiv, engaging audiences on topics such as comparative law, cross-border transactions, and aviation regulations. His lectures blend theoretical insight with real-world examples, enabling both students and professionals to understand law as a living, evolving practice that shapes international cooperation and commerce.
Humanitarian and Community Involvement
Petro’s worldview is grounded in a belief that professional success carries a responsibility to give back. Together with his wife, he supports humanitarian efforts worldwide, including sponsoring an orphanage in Tanzania and funding renovations for children’s homes in Central America and Mexico.
Following the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, Petro partnered with the Mexican Red Cross to provide aid to over 500 families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he spearheaded initiatives in El Salvador to provide food, clothing, and financial relief to families affected by the crisis. For Petro, community involvement is not a side endeavor—it is an integral part of his professional and moral identity.
Professional Memberships and Leadership Roles
Petro serves as the President of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, where he leads initiatives to reform Ukraine’s legal system and strengthen collaboration between Ukrainian and American professionals. He is also an active member of the Inter-American Bar Association and the Beverly Hills Bar Association, contributing to international dialogue on law, justice, and ethics while mentoring young lawyers aspiring to build global practices.
Philosophy and Vision
At the core of Petro Kostiv’s philosophy is the belief in preparation, clarity, and purposeful action. He understands that clients often seek legal help during some of the most challenging times of their lives. By combining empathy with expertise, Petro provides not only legal solutions but also guidance and empowerment.
Whether teaching students about the U.S. legal system, guiding a multinational business through complex regulations, or piloting an aircraft, Petro embodies the same principles: precision, discipline, and service. His vision is to continue expanding his firm’s international reach, nurture future legal professionals, and use his influence to promote justice and opportunity worldwide.
