Petro Kostiv Male • United States of America

Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen. The challenges of adapting to a new country at such a young age taught him endurance and shaped his understanding of the immigrant experience. These early lessons laid the foundation for his career, in which he has dedicated himself to helping others navigate major transitions. Having visited over 150 countries, Petro brings a truly global awareness of legal systems, cultures, and business environments.

He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian, and also reads and speaks conversational Mandarin. His education reflects his multicultural outlook—he graduated with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, earning a B.A. in history with a focus on Latin American development. Petro went on to complete an M.A. in political science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School, with a concentration in international law.

During his studies, Petro gained practical legal experience at the Supreme Court of Argentina, where he explored constitutional and administrative law. He also pursued a B.S. in Aviation and a certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, complemented by IATA certification in aviation safety and compliance. After several international legal research roles, Petro founded Kostiv & Associates, now a leading firm with offices across Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami.

Petro’s practice includes immigration, corporate law, and aviation consulting. He has represented clients before federal courts, embassies, and U.S. agencies, offering cross-border legal solutions. As a licensed commercial pilot and FAA-certified flight instructor, he combines technical aviation knowledge with legal acumen. His background in aircraft finance, insurance, and accident investigation enables him to advise clients with both precision and credibility in aviation-related cases.

As managing partner, Petro Kostiv prioritizes planning, communication, and client trust. He encourages discipline and teamwork within his firm to deliver consistent, transparent results. Beyond his legal work, he lectures internationally and developed a U.S. Legal System course for Kiev University of Law. Dedicated to humanitarian causes, he supports orphanages and disaster relief efforts in Africa and Latin America. As president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, Petro leads initiatives promoting legal reform and international collaboration.