About James D. Cairns III

Attorney Jim Cairns is an Erie area native who has been practicing law for over 24 years. He has helped men and women throughout the state end their marriages in the most convenient and cost-efficient manner possible. As a lawyer, he is committed to providing comprehensive legal services. After encountering numerous delays and unnecessary expenses during his own divorce, attorney Cairns recognized the need for an updated approach to the divorce process. He decided to concentrate on using technology to create a method that would more affordably serve his clients in the areas of divorce (simple, uncontested, no-fault). This involves:

• Preparation of divorce settlement agreements

• Deed changes

• Retaking of maiden or prior married names

This technology-driven method of completing a divorce soon formed Cairns Law Offices. His method now includes preparation of estate planning documents for divorced clients:

• Wills

• Trusts

• Powers of Attorney for Financial and Health Affairs

• Living Wills

Education & Background

Jim has been a Professor at Pennsylvania State University, lecturing in estate planning for divorced, single, and married clients. He holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, and holds a Master's Degree in Administration from Mercyhurst College. Jim is also a Registered Investment Advisor and is the Director of Retirement Services at an Erie, PA financial firm where he consults divorced clients regarding proper financial planning. In addition, he holds Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Producer's licensure. Attorney Cairns is a frequent speaker at various legal and financial workshops.

He has a background in social work, counseling, and education, and has worked with the Gertrude A. Barber Center and Perseus House non-profit organizations.

Helping the Community

As a member of the community, he is dedicated to helping Pennsylvania's at-risk youth by working as a volunteer for Attorneys and Kids Together (AKT), the Erie County Bar Association's community project. This program is designed to support the educational needs of students who are living in homeless situations and most likely to drop out of school.

He is also a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and has taught in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law "Street Law" program and various summer youth education projects.

Personal Life

He has recently returned from the country of Nicaragua where he developed and sponsored Nicaragua's 30th Anniversary of Literacy Celebration. Jim also holds a second-degree black belt in martial arts and is a volunteer teacher of Goshin Jutsu Karate.

Our Goal

It is our goal to provide Pennsylvanians with the best service for simple, no-fault, uncontested divorce. At Cairns Law Offices, $219 divorce includes all court costs, so you can complete your divorce and rebuild your life cheaply and affordably! We make it easy to file your divorce online. Start today!

Representative Clients

• Clients needing Affordable Divorce Representation.

• Clients needing Financial and Estate Planning.

Past Employment Positions

• Sosinc Communications, Sioux City, IA, Assistant General Counsel, Vice President of Customer Support, 2000 - 2002

• Centurion Telecommunications, Columbus, OH, Assistant General Counsel, 1998 - 2000

• Cairns & Cambell, Cleveland, OH , Managing Partner, 1995 - 1997

Classes / Seminars

• Estate Planning, Penn State University, 2009 - Present

• Business Law, Tri-State Business Institute, 2010 - Present

Pro Bono Activities

• AKT- Attorneys and Kids Together, 2006 - Present

• Developed & Sponsored Nicaragua's 30th Anniversary of Literacy Celebration, 2010 - Present

Ancillary Businesses

• Financial Planning for Divorced and Married Clients

• Retirement Planning for Divorced and Married Clients

Professional Associations & Memberships

• PA Bar Association

• Erie County Bar Association

 

Awards

Reviews for James D.

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4 stars
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Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 26, 2012
Hired Attorney

Did an internet search and came across Cairns Law Offices. After more research decided to go with him because of affordability. Attorney Cairns is extremely helpful, knowledgable, professional, quick to respond and I loved that I could do everything online. He answered all of my questions. He was a much better attorney then my husband used. The price quoted is what you pay. Other attorneys nickle and dime you. Highly recommend for any legal services.

 
Response from James D.
December 26, 2012
No Scam. Glad that I was able to help you with this process.
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 26, 2012
Hired Attorney

I did not want to use an attorney at all for my divorce, my husband insisted. I did internet research,came across Cairns Law offices. Attorney Cairns was extremely affordable, easy to contact, helpful, answered all of my questions, responded quickly to emails and was very kind in the midst of my divorce. He was also professional and did not fail to file any paperwork unlike the attorney my ex-husband used. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing any type of legal services.

 
Response from James D.
December 26, 2012
No Scam. Glad that I was able to help you with this process.
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 24, 2012
Hired Attorney

I am pleased with the results, they were very professional. It was handled quickly. If ever there is another need for a lawyer I will definitely contact Cairns again.

Response from James D.
December 24, 2012
Thank you, glad that we were able to help.
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 18, 2012
Hired Attorney

Initially I was worried that this was a scam, the value for the price couldn't be beat so I did my research first and decided to go for it . The process was so easy and fast! I had guidance from the start right through to the finish. I appreciate the service Cairns Law Offices provided me with. It made my divorce painless and the price was unbelievable. Thank you so much Jim for making my life easier and for being so fast and professional.

 
Response from James D.
December 18, 2012
Our services are no Scam. Glad that I was able to help you with this process.
Divorce
Posted by Shona
May 07, 2026
Hired Attorney

The Cairns Law Office was very attentive to handing my divorce proceedings in a timely manner. I was kept informed with each step as it occurred in real time. I would definitely recommend them to someone who might be in the need of their divorce services

Divorce
Posted by Shanese
March 21, 2026
Hired Attorney

Thank you for helping me. It was a very easy process. I'm mad at my self for not having documentation correct and had to pay extra money. But it's done the cost was reasonable. Thank you I've already started referring your services.

Divorce
Posted by Patricia
March 04, 2026
Hired Attorney

This process could not be any easier and steamlined. I honestly could not believe how simple and smooth everything went. I can’t say enough about working with Cairns law firm…. They have been amazing to work with!

Divorce
Posted by Anthony
November 07, 2025
Hired Attorney

Working with Cairns Law Office was a great experience. No complaints at all. Once I submitted the forms, everything moved faster than I expected. I was honestly surprised at how quickly my divorce was finalized. They made the whole process simple, smooth, and stress-free.

Divorce
Posted by Nicole
October 30, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with this office was pretty straight to the point and easy. They spelled everything out and did what was said. Going through a divorce is hard enough, so not having to worry about all of the other legalities was great. This was for an uncontested divorce with a settlement agreement and deed change. If you are able to do communicate with your ex this was a very easy, and inexpensive option. The only thing that I didn't fully know was in regards to the Deed. I had thought that the fee I paid for the deed was all inclusive, but you still have to pay the filing fee with your county additionally. That could have been an abosulte oversight on my part.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
June 12, 2024
Hired Attorney

I was a little worried about the mistakes costing me more money, but I worried for nothing. I filed for divorce and a name change. Both were completed quickly and easily. I was absolutely floored at how quick and painless it was.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 3
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Military Divorce
  • Other 5
    • Debt Division
    • Preparing Settlement Agreements
    • Property Division
    • Uncontested Divorce
    • No Fault Divorces

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
    Spanish
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed fees available
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Other - Paypal
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Cairns Law Offices
  • Pro Bono Services

    AKT- Attorneys and Kids Together, 2006 - Present Developed & Sponsored Nicaragua's 30 Anniversary of Literacy Celebration, 2010 - Present

  • Additional Links

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1995, Ohio
    2002, Pennsylvania
    Memberships
    Pennsylvania Bar Association
    Ohio Bar Associations
    Erie County Bar Association.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Cleveland State University, Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
    Class of 1995
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Indiana University
    Class of 1988
    B.A.
    Criminology, Dean's List

    Mercyhurst College
    Class of 1992
    M.S.
    Administration, Dean's List

Contact James D. Cairns III

Member at Cairns Law Offices
4.9
2896 reviews

3433 West Lake RoadErie, PA 16505U.S.A.

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Fax: (412) 872-2225

744 South Street, Suite 33Philadelphia, PA 19147U.S.A.

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Fax: (412) 872-2225

3945 Forbes Avenue, Suite 185Pittsburgh, PA 15213U.S.A.

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Fax: (412) 872-2225
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Other Office Locations

Philadelphia, PA

744 South Street, Suite 33Philadelphia, PA 19147U.S.A.

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Pittsburgh, PA

3945 Forbes Avenue, Suite 185Pittsburgh, PA 15213U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III is admitted to practice in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III has a professional profile on facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    James D. Cairns, III speaks Spanish.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III has a 4.9 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney offer any legal services for a flat fee?
    Yes, James D. Cairns, III offers fixed fees for certain legal services.