Paul Hastings LLP has hired financial restructuring and distressed debt specialist William Needham as partner in London.

Will Needham

William Needham

Needham will serve as the co-chair of the firm’s European restructuring practice with fellow partner Mei Lian.

Needham joins from KKR & Co., Inc., where he served as the European head of restructuring, global head of sustainable credit, and former European general counsel for KKR credit. He was previously a lawyer at Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Firm chair Frank Lopez said: 'Will’s unique skill set and background, along with his stellar relationships across the market, will play an important role in the continued growth of our financial restructuring practice in Europe and globally.'

Needham commented: 'Paul Hastings is generating a reputation as a firm with one of the best restructuring and special situations practices in the legal industry. I saw immediate synergies between my work and the firm’s strong global platform with its impressive client base. I am excited to work closely with corporate and finance colleagues in Europe and the United States as we continue to grow the firm’s top-tier global restructuring practice.'

Kris Hansen, global co-chair of Paul Hastings’ restructuring group, added: 'Will is a talented leader and will be a key player in our efforts to expand our services, geographical reach and client base.'

Topics