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
8%
3 stars
1%
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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
March 30, 2015
Hired Attorney

Getting my divorce and settlement agreement done with Cairns was quick and easy.
This is a great alternative for those who are able to work things out among themselves.

Response from James D.
March 30, 2015
Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 29, 2014
Hired Attorney

Their service was exceptional. It seemed to be finalized before the amount of time that was projected. Great value for the price.

Response from James D.
December 29, 2014
Thank you very much
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
February 26, 2014
Hired Attorney

I filed for my divorce on 01/21/2014 and my divorce was finalized on 02/20/2014. Less than a month it took for me to get my final divorce decree. It was such a simple process. Only 3 papers to sign and send back. Cairns Law Office exceeded my expectations. I am so happy I went with them, rather than some expensive law office. Now I can move on with my life and start a new chapter, thanks to Cairns Law Offices!

 
Response from James D.
February 26, 2014
Wonderful to hear.
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
July 09, 2013
Hired Attorney

I was very satisfied with the service. Thanks for the help.. My divorce was done really quickly.. I would recommend the service to anyone.. Thank you

Response from James D.
July 09, 2013
Glad to hear that we were able to help you
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
April 07, 2013
Hired Attorney

Reasonable,efficient and quick!

Response from James D.
April 07, 2013
Thank you
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
April 03, 2013
Hired Attorney

If I would have known how fast and efficient Cairns Law Office worked I would have done this years ago. Thank you for giving me my freedom back.

Response from James D.
April 03, 2013
Thank you. You took the first step, we were just here to help you.
Military Divorce
Posted by anonymous
August 07, 2025
Hired Attorney

I am very grateful for the Cairns online divorce wizard. It made an overwhelming process go by very quickly and smoothly minus an error that was quickly updated. I started the process in May and it was finished in July, which was quite a fast timeframe when accounting for mailing, settlement, and an out of state ex who caused some delays! If you have a simplified divorce process that you would likely resolved as quickly as possible, I would highly recommend.

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
August 30, 2023
Hired Attorney

Worked with them on the paperwork for our 'kitchen table' divorce. The whole process worked very smoothly and was fast. The guidelines for completing the necessary steps on our own were very clear and easy to follow.

Divorce
Posted by Ronald
July 13, 2023
Hired Attorney

Having a knowledgeable legal team behind me made an uncomfortable situation a breeze not knowing were to start they guide you through every step and explain the next all I had to do was ask for help and they jumped right in and stood with me till the end witch came way sooner than I expected you will not be disappointed they were amazing

 
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
March 14, 2023
Hired Attorney

CLO did a great job with my divorce case. I felt like my complex situation was under control at all times. I would recommend CLO to all those close to me.

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.