Petro Kostiv

Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States at the age of eighteen. The challenges of starting over in a new country shaped his perseverance and empathy, giving him a personal understanding of the immigrant experience. These formative lessons became central to his professional purpose—to help others navigate complex transitions. Having visited over 150 countries, Petro brings a rare global perspective, grounded in firsthand experience with diverse legal systems and cultures. He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian fluently, in addition to reading German and speaking conversational Mandarin. His education reflects a commitment to international learning and excellence. Petro earned a B.A. in history with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused 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, followed by a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. While studying law, Petro worked at the Supreme Court of Argentina, where he gained insight into constitutional and administrative law. He also holds a B.S. in Aviation and a certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as an IATA certification in aviation safety and compliance. After gaining experience in international legal research, he founded Kostiv & Associates, a firm that now operates across Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami, serving clients worldwide. Petro’s practice focuses on immigration, business strategy, and aviation consulting. He has represented clients before U.S. federal courts, embassies, and regulatory bodies, offering tailored guidance on cross-border issues. As a licensed commercial pilot and FAA-certified flight instructor, he bridges the gap between law and aviation with technical and legal fluency.