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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Overall Rating
Showing 1-10 of 1406 client reviews from Lawyers.com
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5 stars
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4 stars
8%
3 stars
1%
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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 CHANTELL
July 21, 2021
Hired Attorney

When I say this is the best lawyer you could ever obtain... that's an understatement!! Affordable, responsive, efficient are just a few words to describe my experience with them. I would recommend ANYONE to use their services. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP! I TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE!

Response from James D.
July 21, 2021
We appreciate your business as well. So happy we could help you transition into this next chapter in your life!
Divorce
Posted by Michele
June 30, 2021
Hired Attorney

Cairns Law Offices was easy , fast and a painless experience. Cairns kept me up to date on what will happen and the steps that we have to take. I am so grateful, and would recommend Cairns Law Offices to anyone who needs a fast divorce.

Response from James D.
June 30, 2021
Thank you for your kind words and recommendations.
Divorce
Posted by Michelle
June 29, 2021
Hired Attorney

Divorce was done quickly. Every email laid out and explained what needed to be done and when and how.

Response from James D.
June 29, 2021
Thank you. We strive to be the best in our field.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
June 23, 2021
Hired Attorney

Quick, easy and within a reasonable budget! Case was completed in a timely manner and was actually ahead of the initial timelinen projected.

Response from James D.
June 23, 2021
We always try our hardest to get the divorces finalized in a timely manner. So glad to help.
Divorce
Posted by Lisa
June 22, 2021
Hired Attorney

I was extremely nervous about using an online attorney service. They answered every question that I had. Explained everything that needed to be done explicitly. I highly recommend that if you have any services that need to be done to please consider it. My situation was a divorce for the settlement agreement. Since I never went through anything like this before I was completely unsure how to go about anything. They picked up the phone they talk to me when I needed to speak to somebody. They responded when I would email them also. I highly recommend this law office .

 
Response from James D.
June 22, 2021
It can be very difficult to choose which online attorney is good and which is not sometimes. That is why here at Cairns Law Offices, we are very clear, ad to the point. We are very affordable and make the process go quickly. Thank you.
Divorce
Posted by Brenda
June 22, 2021
Hired Attorney

I filed for divorce on 3/4/21. My divorce was granted on 6/16/21. The only reason it took so long was because the other party was incarcerated for 2 months. But the communication was amazing. They received the paperwork, and within 2 weeks, my divorce was granted!!! I got exactly what I paid for! Many of my friends have told me how they spent thousands of dollars. I spent just under $400. I am extremely pleased with the results and time it took!!! Thank you guys so much!!!!

 
Response from James D.
June 22, 2021
Our law offices are able to give lower rates with a quicker turnaround. We are extremely pleased with how quickly we can get these divorces finalized. Thank you for your kind words.
Divorce
Posted by James
June 22, 2021
Hired Attorney

I was a little skeptical at first but after reading the reviews and looking into the company I decided to go for it. I went with the express option. It was done fast and easy. Just read and follow the instructions in your emails and you shouldn’t have any problems and if you do just send them a email or call. I had to email them one time and they responded the next day. The whole process was easy and if I ever which I hope I don’t need to use them again I would in a heartbeat. I can’t say enough good things about this company. I would give tons more stars but I am only allowed 5..lol.. so with that all being said and my divorce all done.. don’t wait or hesitate to get in touch with them.. just do it and good luck.. thank you guys!!!!!

 
Response from James D.
June 22, 2021
Thank you for your kind words and recommendations. We love to hear when our clients are happy. We definitely try to make sure we respond to all emails and calls as promptly as possible. It was a pleasure working with you.
Divorce
Posted by Jordan
June 01, 2021
Hired Attorney

Great knowledge and expertise. Very open communication and clear expectations and time frames were given. Made everything very smooth.

Response from James D.
June 01, 2021
Thank you for your kind words.
Divorce
Posted by Tabitha
June 01, 2021
Hired Attorney

Easiest process ever. Budget friendly. Only took 6 months and I never had to meet with anyone physically besides a notary.

Response from James D.
June 01, 2021
Yes, our process is quick, easy, and painless.
Divorce
Posted by anonymous
April 23, 2021
Hired Attorney

Easy and painless experience (as it could be) to get my divorce processed. Didn't have to meet anyone in person. Everything was handled through email/mail. Would recommend this law office to anyone seeking divorce services. They were responsive any time I had questions.

Response from James D.
April 23, 2021
We do everything online and do not require anyone to come into our office or the courthouse. This process should be a painless one. We are glad to hear that you had a good experience.

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.