In order to determine whether a paralegal program could be successfully implemented at Johnson County Community College, surveys were sent to 262 local attorneys (with a 24% response rate) and to 41 members of the Kansas City Association of Legal Assistants (71% response). Emphasis was placed on determining area employment needs and the perceptions of skills expected of paralegal graduates. Respondents were asked to rate a total of 111 job responsibilities in nine broad categories (general, civil and criminal, real estate, taxation, corporate and partnership, domestic relations, estate planning and probate, workmen's compensation, and bankruptcy) as "essential,""desirable," or "not applicable." Generally, most lawyers felt a paralegal should possess good general office skills and be knowledgeable in the areas of civil and criminal law and domestic relations. A majority of the paralegals felt that the ability to do research, prepare routine legal documents, and handle financial matters were essential skills. The study revealed that a full two-year program training paralegals for positions with area law firms was not justified, as there were not enough large firms in the area to provide adequate job opportunities and as other colleges were training paralegals in Missouri law. However, a limited program to upgrade the skills of legal secretaries was considered feasible. (MB)