Petro Kostiv

Born in Ukraine, Petro Richard Kostiv embarked on a transformative journey when he immigrated to the United States at age 18. The move demanded courage, adaptability, and perseverance—qualities that would later define his professional life. Confronting a new language and culture while building a new identity shaped his deep empathy for others in transition. This formative experience not only ignited his passion for global law but also instilled in him a lifelong mission: helping people navigate change with confidence and clarity.

Today, that mission guides his career as a lawyer, educator, and humanitarian, bridging cultures and systems with unwavering commitment.

A World-Class Perspective

Petro’s worldview is as vast as his travel history—he has visited over 150 countries, immersing himself in a mosaic of legal systems, economies, and traditions. His exposure to such diversity gives him an exceptional ability to relate to clients from around the world.

Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian, and conversant in Mandarin Chinese, Petro also reads German. This linguistic fluency enables him to connect across cultures and deliver legal counsel that transcends linguistic and national barriers. His global mindset has become one of his strongest professional assets.

Scholarship Without Borders

Education lies at the heart of Petro’s success. He earned his B.A. in History from the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with honors while specializing in Latin American political and economic development. His academic curiosity led him to South Africa, where he pursued an M.A. in Political Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, exploring comparative politics and international governance.

Driven by an ambition to serve globally, Petro earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he also obtained a Certificate in International Law with emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean. During his studies, he spent a pivotal summer at the Supreme Court of Argentina, gaining firsthand exposure to constitutional and administrative law.

Beyond law, Petro’s fascination with aviation propelled him to earn a B.S. in Aviation and a Certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, complemented by specialized training from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in aviation safety and compliance.

The Foundation of a Global Law Practice

After completing his studies, Petro built a career grounded in integrity, expertise, and service. His early professional years were marked by research and consulting on international legal and commercial matters, where he quickly gained recognition for his meticulous preparation and cultural sensitivity.

In pursuit of independence and innovation, he founded Kostiv & Associates. This law firm has grown into a multi-office organization with locations across Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Baltimore, and Miami.

Petro’s firm specializes in immigration, business law, and investor support, providing comprehensive services to individuals and corporations navigating complex international regulations. His approach is highly personalized—each case receives the same precision and empathy, whether representing an entrepreneur, a multinational investor, or a family seeking a better future.

The Aviator in the Courtroom

Petro Kostiv’s passion for aviation sets him apart from most attorneys. He is both a commercial and private pilot, holding single- and multiengine licenses, as well as instrument ratings and multiple FAA certifications as a flight and ground instructor.

He has completed advanced training in aircraft finance, aviation insurance, and accident investigation, allowing him to provide expert guidance on aviation law, compliance, and risk management. This rare blend of legal expertise and technical aviation knowledge has positioned Petro as a trusted advisor to airlines, insurers, and private operators worldwide.

For him, aviation is more than a passion—it’s a discipline that mirrors his professional philosophy: precision, safety, and accountability in every decision.

Leadership Through Purpose

As Managing Partner of Kostiv & Associates, Petro leads by example. He emphasizes clarity, structure, and client communication, ensuring that every case follows a defined process and measurable milestones. His leadership style blends mentorship with accountability, cultivating a culture where excellence is expected and collaboration is celebrated.

Petro believes that trust is earned through transparency, and his firm operates on that principle. From complex immigration petitions to multinational business matters, clients rely on his steady guidance and unwavering attention to detail.

Mentor, Educator, and Thought Leader

Beyond legal practice, Petro has dedicated his time to education. He developed a complete course on the U.S. Legal System for the Kiev University of Law, helping students understand how American courts operate in real-world contexts.

His expertise has also taken him to lecture halls and conferences in Beijing, Rome, San Salvador, and Kyiv, where he presents on comparative law, cross-border transactions, and aviation regulation. His teaching philosophy bridges theory with practical insight, empowering the next generation of lawyers to think globally and ethically.

Compassion in Action

Petro’s humanitarian work reflects his belief that authentic leadership is measured by service. Alongside his wife, he sponsors an orphanage in Tanzania and supports renovation projects for children’s homes across Central America and Mexico.

Following the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, he coordinated with the Mexican Red Cross, assisting over 500 families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led relief initiatives in El Salvador, distributing food, clothing, and financial support to communities in need.

His philanthropy is not performative—it’s personal. It is rooted in the same compassion that first inspired him to study law.

Building Bridges Through Law

Petro’s influence extends into professional associations where he fosters international collaboration. As President of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, he leads initiatives to reform Ukraine’s legal system and strengthen ties 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 young attorneys pursuing careers in international law.

Through these roles, Petro continues to shape the future of law as a tool for connection, justice, and empowerment.

A Vision of Preparedness and Purpose

At his core, Petro Kostiv believes that success comes from preparation, clarity, and compassion. Every client, student, and project he touches carries his mark of diligence and care.

Whether he’s piloting an aircraft, guiding a business through international regulations, or lecturing on legal ethics, Petro approaches every endeavor with integrity and empathy. His life’s work is built on one enduring truth: the law, when guided by humanity, has the power to uplift and unite.