The District of Columbia Court of Appeals has suspended attorney Petro R. Kostiv from practicing law for one year. This decision follows a similar suspension imposed by the Supreme Court of California. The ruling affects Kostiv's ability to practice law in the District of Columbia and highlights the court's approach to reciprocal discipline.

The court's ruling comes after a series of events that began with Kostiv's suspension in California. The D.C. Court of Appeals ruled on May 28, 2026, in case number 26-BG-0059, stating that Kostiv's suspension would be stayed in favor of one year of probation, which includes sixty days of active suspension. This ruling is significant as it reflects the court's commitment to maintaining professional standards among attorneys.

Background

Petro R. Kostiv is a member of the bar in the District of Columbia, with bar registration number 1026580. The dispute arose after the Supreme Court of California suspended him for one year, with a stay in favor of probation. The D.C. Court of Appeals received a certified order from the California court regarding this suspension, prompting them to take action.

Following the California suspension, the D.C. Court of Appeals issued an order on February 10, 2026, suspending Kostiv pending the final disposition of the case. The court directed him to show cause why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed. In response, Kostiv consented to the imposition of reciprocal discipline, stating that he self-reported the California suspension and had not practiced law in the District since the suspension began on August 29, 2025.

The Ruling

The D.C. Court of Appeals ruled to suspend Petro R. Kostiv from practicing law in the District of Columbia for one year, with the suspension stayed in favor of one year of probation. The court stated, "Petro R. Kostiv is hereby suspended from the practice of law in the District of Columbia for one year, stayed in favor of one year of probation to include sixty days of active suspension, nunc pro tunc to August 29, 2025."

The ruling was issued by Associate Judges Beckwith, Easterly, and McLeese. The court emphasized the importance of reciprocal discipline, referencing previous cases that support the presumption of imposing identical discipline. The court noted that exceptions to this presumption should be rare, reinforcing the integrity of the legal profession.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for Petro R. Kostiv and the legal community in the District of Columbia. By imposing a one-year suspension with probationary terms, the court aims to uphold the standards of legal practice and ensure that attorneys maintain ethical conduct. The decision underscores the importance of reciprocal discipline across jurisdictions, meaning that disciplinary actions taken in one state can influence the attorney's standing in another state.

The ruling also serves as a reminder to attorneys about the consequences of misconduct. It highlights the D.C. Court of Appeals' commitment to enforcing disciplinary measures and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. As Kostiv serves his suspension and probation, it will be crucial for him to adhere to the terms set by the court to regain his ability to practice law in the District.

What's Next

Petro R. Kostiv has the option to appeal the court's decision, although details about any pending appeals were not available in the court filing. The case serves as a notable example of how disciplinary actions in one jurisdiction can have reciprocal effects in another, shaping the future conduct of attorneys across state lines.