Born in Ukraine, Petro Richard Kostiv took a leap of faith at the age of 18 when he immigrated to the United States. This bold move marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation — one characterized by resilience, learning, and an unwavering drive to succeed. Navigating life in a new country taught him perseverance and humility, as he balanced adaptation with ambition.
For Petro, that early challenge became the foundation of a lifelong mission: to guide others through their own transitions. His immigrant experience gave him a unique empathy for those striving to build new lives — an understanding that continues to inform his work as a lawyer, educator, and humanitarian.
A Global Lens on Law and Life
Over time, Petro cultivated a worldview that transcends geography. Having visited over 150 countries, he has gained firsthand insight into a diverse range of legal systems, economic environments, and cultural traditions. This exposure allows him to approach legal challenges through a truly global lens — seeing not just the rules, but the people and contexts behind them.
Petro is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian, and can read German and speak conversational Mandarin Chinese. His multilingual fluency enhances his ability to connect with clients and colleagues across continents, turning language into a bridge rather than a barrier.
The Scholar of Global Perspective
Education is at the heart of Petro’s story. He graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a B.A. in History, with a focus on Latin American political and economic development. His fascination with governance and international policy took him to South Africa, where he completed an M.A. in Political Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Determined to merge global understanding with practical impact, Petro earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School, alongside a Certificate in International Law with emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean. While studying, he spent a formative summer in Buenos Aires, working at the Supreme Court of Argentina. This experience deepened his appreciation for constitutional law and the principles of the rule of law.
Petro also holds a B.S. in Aviation and a Certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as certification in aviation safety and compliance from IATA. His academic journey reflects a rare synthesis of disciplines — law, politics, and aviation — unified by one principle: mastery through learning.
A Vision Turned Reality
After years of study and experience, Petro founded Kostiv & Associates, a law firm built on professionalism, compassion, and innovation. What began as a single practice has expanded into a multi-office firm serving clients in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Baltimore, and Miami.
The firm’s scope includes immigration, investor relations, business strategy, and aviation law. Petro’s approach is hands-on and client-centered; he personally advises individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporations navigating complex global regulations. His cases have taken him to Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the former Soviet bloc, where he combines technical expertise with cultural fluency to deliver meaningful results.
Soaring Beyond Boundaries
Petro Kostiv’s connection to aviation goes far beyond theory. He is a licensed private and commercial pilot, certified for single- and multiengine aircraft with instrument ratings. He is also an FAA-certified flight instructor and ground instructor, providing him with both the technical skills and legal understanding to advise on aviation operations, insurance, and compliance.
He has completed professional training in aircraft finance, aviation insurance, and accident investigation, enabling him to assist clients in high-stakes cases involving regulation and risk management. This rare combination of legal acumen and aviation experience makes Petro a leading authority in aviation law — an attorney who can navigate both the courtroom and the cockpit with equal confidence.
Leadership Through Integrity and Discipline
As Managing Partner of Kostiv & Associates, Petro leads a diverse team across multiple states. His leadership philosophy is anchored in organization, transparency, and accountability. Every case, regardless of scale, is managed through structured planning, communication, and measurable milestones.
He instills in his team a culture of excellence — one that prizes preparation and ethical conduct as much as results. Petro’s disciplined approach ensures that clients receive not only legal representation but also reassurance and clarity throughout their journey.
The Educator and Mentor
Petro’s passion for knowledge extends far beyond his own career. For the Kiev University of Law, he developed a comprehensive course on the U.S. Legal System, designed to equip students with a practical understanding of American judicial processes.
He has also shared his expertise at international forums and universities in Beijing, Rome, San Salvador, and Kyiv, lecturing on topics such as comparative law, aviation regulation, and cross-border legal reform. His lectures are distinguished by their blend of scholarship and practicality, empowering young lawyers to think globally and act with integrity.
Compassion in Motion
Petro’s humanitarian efforts reflect his conviction that success entails a responsibility to give back. Alongside his wife, he sponsors an orphanage in Tanzania and supports children’s homes in Mexico and Central America.
In the wake of the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, Petro coordinated with the Mexican Red Cross to provide relief to over 500 families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led initiatives in El Salvador to supply food, clothing, and financial support to those most affected. His philanthropy is driven by a conviction that actual achievement is measured by the impact one has on the lives of others.
A Legacy of Leadership and Humanity
Today, Petro serves as President of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, where he leads initiatives to strengthen Ukraine’s legal system and foster collaboration with the global legal community. He is also an active member of the Inter-American Bar Association and the Beverly Hills Bar Association, where he mentors emerging lawyers and advocates for ethical, globally minded practice.
In every endeavor — whether guiding a client, mentoring a student, or piloting an aircraft — Petro Kostiv lives by a guiding philosophy: “Excellence begins with preparation, and leadership endures through compassion.”
His life’s work stands as a testament to the belief that law, when practiced with empathy and vision, has the power to unite worlds and transform lives.
Portfolio: https://petrokostiv.com/
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