Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen. The experience of adapting to a new culture and language taught him resilience, independence, and compassion for others pursuing better opportunities. This personal journey later shaped his mission as a legal professional, enabling him to help clients navigate complex transitions with empathy and precision. Having visited over 150 countries, Petro has developed a profound understanding of diverse legal, social, and economic systems.

He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian fluently, and also reads and converses in German and Mandarin. Petro’s education mirrors his international outlook. He earned a B.A. with honors in history from the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on Latin American political and economic development. He then obtained an M.A. in political science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he earned a certificate in international law.

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

Petro’s practice encompasses immigration, business, and aviation consulting, providing clients with comprehensive cross-border legal support. He has appeared before federal courts, embassies, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, advising thousands of individuals and businesses. As a licensed commercial pilot and FAA-certified flight instructor, Petro combines legal knowledge with aviation expertise, enabling him to provide exceptional insight on matters involving regulatory compliance, aircraft finance, and aviation insurance.

As managing partner, Petro Kostiv leads his firm with integrity, strategic vision, and a focus on client-centered results. He also teaches and lectures internationally, having designed a U.S. Legal System course for Kiev University of Law. His humanitarian work includes supporting orphanages and disaster relief programs in Africa and Latin America. As president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, Petro continues to advocate for legal reform, global cooperation, and the empowerment of future legal professionals.