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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5 stars
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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
Divorce
Posted by Christian
September 28, 2023
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law made the divorce process simple with very clear instructions. Everything is a flat rate with no hidden fees. I did get charged a $50 fee because I messed up some paperwork, but it was very clear from the beginning that those fees will be imposed if corrections need to be made. It was my mistake that led to the fee. Their communication was excellent, and they were quick to answer our questions. Even an amicable divorce is still a difficult time. It was great to find a lawyer that make the process simple, so we had one less thing to worry about.

 
Divorce
Posted by Alicia
September 22, 2023
Hired Attorney

This lawyer was great for an uncontested divorce really easy simple to use affordable. I recommend to anyone who wants a quick and simple divorce. After experience other online lawyers. This one was simple, easy to understand and use.

Divorce
Posted by Caitlin
September 22, 2023
Hired Attorney

Loved working with this law office they explained everything in detail in every email they sent explaining the next steps in the process for my divorce. Defiantly a nice experience they made my divorce so easy and we’re very efficient in getting it done. I was not stressed at all though the process because they were so good at explaining everything. Would definitely recommend them to any one looking for a quick and easy divorce. The price is very fair as well. 10/10 recommend.

 
Divorce
Posted by Krystal
September 22, 2023
Hired Attorney

They have excellent customer service. Lawyer is very knowledgeable and I would suggest them to anyone looking for one. Divorce was quick and easy. My attorney is very knowledgeable and he made the process very quick and easy.

Divorce
Posted by Michael
September 21, 2023
Hired Attorney

Cairns was very professional and courteous! The office was, also, very patient with me as I made a couple of mistakes with the paperwork. Cairns went over and above! I'm completely satisfied! I will, happily, refer Cairns to anyone that I know who needs divorce, or any, legal assistance!

Divorce
Posted by Idella
September 21, 2023
Hired Attorney

My experience with Cairns Law Office went exceptionally well. After taking in all my information.My papers was drawn up everything was explained well.I followed the directions they gave me.When I needed to communicate with them I emailed them.They responded within 24hrs.Once all paperwork was returned back to them .My processed went quickly, I would use them again if I had too.I’ll definitely be recommending them to others.

 
Divorce
Posted by Kimberly
August 23, 2023
Hired Attorney

The office made the divorce process so much easier and very affordable. They were patient and understanding in my need to extend my case a few times. I will definitely recommend them to anyone going through a divorce.

Response from James D.
August 23, 2023
Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by Lynette
August 12, 2023
Hired Attorney

Definitely 10/10! Fast and reliable Service also cost effective. Very professional and replies back to emails in a timely manner. Filed in April and by August my divorce was final, the filing was easy and simple with step by step instructions

Response from James D.
August 12, 2023
Thank you for your kind words.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
August 11, 2023
Hired Attorney

Cairns law made my divorce easy and fast. I filed in March and it was completed by the middle of August. They explained every step clearly and concisely. They kept me updated via email every step of the way.

Response from James D.
August 11, 2023
Thank you for your kind words!
Divorce
Posted by Valerie
August 07, 2023
Hired Attorney

I had been told that a divorce would cost me tens of thousands of dollars in lawyer’s fees and would be both a lengthy and very complicated process. Fake news!!! I took a chance and called Cairn’s Law Offices and never looked back again. The levels of professionalism and law knowledge combined with a genuine compassion for their clients exceeded my expectations and gave me a true peace of mind throughout the Very fast process. Jim Cairns and his Outstanding team were always ready to communicate regarding questions I had and made a confusing process so very easy to understand. I could not be more grateful as this office is The reason I have a wonderfully happy, new lease on life. Five stars plus . . .

 
Response from James D.
August 07, 2023
I am so glad that we were able to bring you peace of mind. It is difficult when you are not at peace. We strive to bring that into people's lives when they are at a low. Glad to be of service.

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.