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.

Have you consulted or hired this lawyer?

Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 1406 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
90%
4 stars
8%
3 stars
1%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Divorce
Posted by Robert
February 06, 2025
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law office made the divorce process a breeze! After fighting for 6 years and spending thousands of dollars on lawyers, I didn't know where to go. I then saw an add for Cairns Law office and decided to give it a shot (what did I have to loose at this point). I went to the website, followed the steps and paid the fee of $395. Within 1 hour I had an email with all of the forms that I needed to fill out attached. I promptly filled our the material and sent it back. I continued to receive communication regarding where we were in the process and guidance on what to do at each step of the process. Cairns made the process very simply and very easy to understand. After fighting for 6 years the traditional way, Cairns was able to get my divorce finalized and have my decree in my hand with in 8 weeks from start to finish. I highly recommend their service.

 
Response from James D.
February 06, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that we could make such a difficult and lengthy process easier for you. We understand how frustrating long battles can be, and we’re so glad that our services provided you with a smooth
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
February 05, 2025
Hired Attorney

Thank you so much for everything!! I appreciate all your help and it was super easy to do! I am happy that my divorce is finally over and done with! I am so glad I went with this law firm and will continue using if I ever need to again!

Response from James D.
February 05, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re so glad we could make the process easy for you, and we’re honored that you chose us to help with such an important chapter in your life.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
January 13, 2025
Hired Attorney

Very good and quick communication. Cheapest way for an uncontested divorce. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly. Be very careful and meticulous with everything. I was charged for a stray mark that my notary official did. Overall, I was very happy I chose Cairns Law Offices.

Response from James D.
January 13, 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you appreciated the communication and affordability of our services. Your satisfaction means a lot, and we’re grateful you chose Cairns Law Offices.
Divorce
Posted by Bianca
January 07, 2025
Hired Attorney

Helped me with a divorce in 2019 that Im forever thankful for. Recommended two people who both were also satisfied. I will continue recommending to everyone. I had no issues or run arounds. Thank you!!!!!

Response from James D.
January 07, 2025
Thank you for your heartfelt review and for recommending our services to others! We're grateful to have been able to assist you and your referrals. Your trust and support mean the world to us.
Divorce
Posted by Chevernese
December 19, 2024
Hired Attorney

My experience working with cairn law office was great. They were very responsive and organized which made the process quick and easy. They were very knowledgeable and broke down the process so that you can understand. The service was 10 out of 10 and will definitely utilize their services in the future

Response from James D.
December 19, 2024
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that our responsiveness, organization, and clarity made the process smooth for you. Your 10/10 rating means a lot.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 18, 2024
Hired Attorney

Working with Cairns Law firm was the best choice I have ever made. I started the process on Oct 25,2024 and the whole process was completed on Dec 12, 2024 a total 7 weeks but I was expecting it to take up to 16 weeks like they said and they got it done expeditiously. I would recommend them to any one who wants or needs to get a divorce. The cost was extremely manageable and affordable.

 
Response from James D.
December 18, 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're delighted to know we exceeded your expectations and completed the process efficiently. Your recommendation means so much to us, and we're glad we could provide an affordable and effective solution for your needs
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 13, 2024
Hired Attorney

The instruction is clear. Filled out the forms, notarized, mailed and then just wait. Simple and smooth process, simpler than I thought. Very responsible and reliable. And the cost is low. Definitely recommend.

Response from James D.
December 13, 2024
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're pleased to hear that you found the process straightforward, cost-effective, and reliable. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to assisting you again in the future.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
December 13, 2024
Hired Attorney

Easy and fast process. I was always updated on the status of the case. I never felt left in the dark and never had to call to see what was going on. I would surely recommend to family and friends for any kind of case.

Response from James D.
December 13, 2024
Thank you for your review. We're glad to hear you found the process efficient and appreciated the updates. Keeping our clients informed is a top priority. Your recommendation to family and friends means a great deal to us.
Divorce
Posted by Stephanie
December 12, 2024
Hired Attorney

Seamless and perfect experience. Extremely responsive, all questions answered quickly and completely, though instructions were so clear, easy, and thorough few questions were ever needed. Highly recommended!

Response from James D.
December 12, 2024
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that the experience was seamless and that our communication made the process smooth. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are glad we could assist you so effectively.
Divorce
Posted by Sharman
November 26, 2024
Hired Attorney

This is my 2nd time using their services and everything was up to par! Cairns provided fast service service and the cost was very reasonable. I would recommend them to anyone and actually have.. word of mouth goes a long way because I was referred to them and they did not disappoint.

Response from James D.
November 26, 2024
Thank you for your continued trust in Cairns Law Offices! We’re so glad to hear that, once again, our service met your expectations. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your support.

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.

Show on map
Fax: (412) 872-2225

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

Show on map
Fax: (412) 872-2225

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

Show on map
Fax: (412) 872-2225
view 2 other office locations
hide 2 other office locations

Other Office Locations

Philadelphia, PA

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

Show on map

Pittsburgh, PA

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

Show on map

Activity

Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:

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.