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
Divorce
Posted by Colton
July 02, 2025
Hired Attorney

I’m really glad I chose this law office to help with my divorce. They made the process simple, stress-free, and affordable. Everyone I worked with was professional, clear, and easy to talk to. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for help with family law. Oh, and they also offer payment plans which helped me tremendously! Highly recommend.

 
Response from James D.
July 02, 2025
Thank you for your heartfelt feedback. We're honored to have made the process smooth and straightforward for you.
Divorce
Posted by Judith
June 24, 2025
Hired Attorney

In the future if I know of someone who would need their services I would highly recommend Cairns Law Offices. They were very professional, prompt and knowledgeable in Pennsylvania law. I would kie to say thank you for all of the services they provided.

Response from James D.
June 24, 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're honored Cairns Law Offices could provide support through such a challenging time.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
June 03, 2025
Hired Attorney

Carins law offices was amazing from the beginning to the end they did an outstanding job when it came to my divorce. Very communicative and reliable with quick responses. I would definitely recommend them to anyone that is looking to get di

Response from James D.
June 03, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re truly glad to hear that you felt supported and well-informed throughout the process. At The Law Office of James Cairns, we pride ourselves on being responsive and reliable for every client. Your recommendation means a lot to us—we wish you all the best in the future!
Divorce
Posted by Christine
May 29, 2025
Hired Attorney

I used Cairns Law Offices for my no-contest divorce in Pennsylvania. The process couldn't have been easier. Communication with the lawyers was almost immediate and the emails were very thorough- each one thoroughly detailing what steps needed to be taken. I highly recommend using this firm.

Response from James D.
May 29, 2025
Thank you for your recommendation! We’re glad to hear the process was smooth and communication clear throughout. It was our pleasure to assist you.
Divorce
Posted by Jose
May 28, 2025
Hired Attorney

There every step of the way, reply in a very timely manner. Fast and easy process. I would highly recommend Cairns Law Offices. As a Army Veteran I appreciate all your help and efforts. Thank You very much.

Response from James D.
May 28, 2025
Thank you for your kind words—and for your service. We're honored to have supported you through the process and glad we could make it fast and easy. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Divorce
Posted by Matthew
May 26, 2025
Hired Attorney

Divorce; a path I did not know I would travel. A path for which I did not know the way. A path I heard numerous times to be a gauntlet. Cairns Law Offices gave me a map, and the confidence I needed to take point on the journey. While Divorce in itself is not pleasurable, having a solid support system on things I did not know made the experience less stressful, less cumbersome, and smoother than expected.

 
Response from James D.
May 26, 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re honored to have been a steady guide during such a difficult and uncertain time. Helping make the journey smoother and less stressful is exactly what we strive for.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
May 24, 2025
Hired Attorney

In three months time, with no problems. If your case is straight forward. The cost is low and the work is quick and precise. The instructions given puts your mind at ease. They dont make you wait days before responding to any and questions you may have.

Response from James D.
May 24, 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear the process was smooth and reassuring for you. Providing clear guidance and prompt communication is always our priority.
Divorce
Posted by Kyle
May 22, 2025
Hired Attorney

With these days being so rough financially, Time is never being on your side, etc. Cairnes Law office made it very affordable, easy to complete, and they were very knowledgeable, responsive, and helpoful through the whole process. 10/10 would recommend.

Response from James D.
May 22, 2025
Thank you for the thoughtful review! We're glad we could provide affordable, responsive support during a tough time. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Divorce
Posted by Debbi
May 14, 2025
Hired Attorney

Working with this Law Firm was an easy process. They explained everything thoroughly. They kept me up to date every step of the way. From start to finish my divorce took two months and for a price you can not beat. I highly recommend!

Response from James D.
May 14, 2025
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're glad we could make the process smooth and affordable for you.
Divorce
Posted by Rodney
April 04, 2025
Hired Attorney

After an extensive research of online attorneys for my case I decided to call. The person who took my call was Extremely informative and walked me through all the steps. Communication was done via email and by USPS. They team was very efficient in communicating. I am very happy that I've decided to hire these professionals for such an important issue of my life. My sincere gratitude. Ps. Price was very competitive.

 
Response from James D.
April 04, 2025
Thank you for your kind and detailed review! We're so glad to hear that our team was able to provide clear guidance and efficient communication throughout the process. We truly appreciate your trust in Cairns Law Office for such an important matter.

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.