Petro Kostiv
Founder of Kostiv Cardinal
Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States at the age of 18. Learning to acclimate to a new country during such formative years taught him perseverance and granted him his own lens into the immigrant experience
This initial experience became the foundation for a career helping others navigate through what can be overwhelming transitions Having visited over 150 countries so far, Petro Kostiv has developed firsthand knowledge of many legal systems, economic environments, and cultures, which enables him to relate to clients from diverse backgrounds
He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian fluently; Petro can also read German and speak conversational Mandarin Chinese.
Academic and Professional Education
Petro's education is as global as his professional perspective 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 interest in comparative politics led him to South Africa, where he obtained an MA in political science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Petro later obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School, where he also received a certificate in international law with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean
While in law school, he had spent a summer in Buenos Aires working at the Supreme Court of Argentina and observing constitutional and administrative law in action Beyond his legal education, Petro holds a B S in Aviation and a certificate in U S Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as an IATA program on aviation safety and compliance
Early Career and Legal Practice
Petro's early professional experiences consisted of local internships and legal research for international cases Following law school, he pursued a career with firms specializing in cross-border transactions Still, he later established Kostiv & Associates, which is now a multi-office firm with representation throughout Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami
He maintains a broad-based practice that includes investor support, business strategies, and aviation consulting Petro has appeared before U S Citizenship and Immigration Services, federal courts, and embassies worldwide, communicating with thousands of clients in one-on-one settings His work has also led him to Europe, Latin America, China, and the Former Soviet Bloc to undertake on-site client matters, further strengthening his hands-on approach to finding legal and regulatory solutions
Aviation Expertise and Credentials
Few attorneys have both expert-level technical knowledge of aviation and strong legal skills like Petro does He holds a private and commercial pilot's license with single and multiengine specifications Additionally, he holds instrument ratings and is an FAA-certified flight instructor, flight instrument instructor, advanced ground instructor, and ground instrument instructor
Petro Kostiv has received specialized instruction on aviation insurance, airline contracts, and aircraft finance. He has also completed a professional seminar in aviation accident investigation, which enables him to assist with cases that involve regulatory compliance and risk management
He is fluent in both the technical and legal language of aviation and has become a trusted resource to operators, insurance companies, and aircraft owners.
Leadership and Firm Management
As managing partner of Kostiv & Associates, Petro oversees teams in multiple U.S. offices to ensure cases are handled consistently and efficiently At every stage, he emphasizes the importance of planning, communication, and preparation with his clients
Petro trains and expects his team to be disciplined in tracking issues with checklists, meetings, and timelines so that clients know exactly what they can expect This grounded, transparent approach is one of the firm's strengths and part of why clients return for ongoing advice.
Academic Contributions and Public Speaking
Petro is deeply invested in education and mentorship. For Kiev University of Law, he developed an entire course on the U S Legal System, which aims to explain how American courts function practically for students
Outside Ukraine, he has given lectures at conferences and universities in Beijing, Rome, San Salvador, and Kyiv These encounters focus on themes of comparative law, cross-border transactions, and aviation regulations
His lectures combine rigorous legal analysis with practical application, using real-life scenarios to enable students and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the law
Humanitarian and Community Involvement
Petro is very dedicated to helping others using his expertise and resources With his wife, he sponsors an orphanage in Tanzania and has financed renovations of children's homes in Central America, as well as Mexico.
Following the 2017 Mexico City earthquake, Petro collaborated with the Mexican Red Cross to provide aid to over 500 families in some of the most severely affected neighborhoods He led efforts in 2020 to provide food, clothing, and financial support to families in El Salvador who were most severely impacted by the pandemic and economic uncertainty He believes that true professional success must always be accompanied by social responsibility
Professional Memberships and Leadership Roles
One of Petro’s most outstanding roles is serving as president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association and leading efforts to reform Ukraine's legal system, while working to build a bridge between the Ukrainian diaspora and professionals in Ukraine.
He is an active member of the Inter-American Bar Association and the Beverly Hills Bar Association. In these capacities, he can participate in ongoing dialogue on legal trends and mentor young lawyers interested in building a practice that has an international dimension.
Philosophy and Vision
Petro Richard is a man who believes in preparation, clarity, and action. He takes pride in realizing that a client's legal concerns may be some of the most difficult times they will ever encounter in their life or business
His capacity to provide clear direction, develop sound roadmaps, and generate deliverables is more than just legal experience; it's empathy and foresight
Whether imparting to students the inner workings of the U.S. legal system, guiding a business through regulatory hurdles, or piloting an airplane, Petro is driven by the philosophy that his work should leave clients more knowledgeable and empowered than when they first approached him for legal assistance
Today, he continues to grow his law firm, gives lectures, provides mentor support through different institutions, and invests in social projects that benefit many