Paul Hastings strengthens global restructuring team

In a strategic move to bolster its standing as a premier global restructuring platform, Paul Hastings LLP proudly announces the addition of William Needham to its team. William Needham, a distinguished financial restructuring and distressed debt specialist, will assume the role of partner and co-chair of the firm’s European restructuring practice alongside Mei Lian.

Formerly the European head of restructuring, global head of sustainable credit, and European general counsel for KKR & Co., Inc., Needham brings a wealth of experience to Paul Hastings. Prior to his role at KKR, he served as a lawyer at Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP. His unique skill set and extensive background position him as a valuable asset to the firm's European and global restructuring initiatives.

Frank Lopez, Chair of Paul Hastings, expressed enthusiasm about Needham's addition, stating, “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.” Lopez sees Needham's arrival as a significant step in expanding opportunities in the European and global corporate, finance, and restructuring markets.

During his tenure at KKR, Needham successfully restructured debt totaling approximately $10 billion, led bankruptcy proceedings, and oversaw informal workouts across various asset classes in Europe. He also served on the boards of multiple global KKR portfolio companies. Notably, Needham is associated with the private debt advisory committee of the Principles for Responsible Investment and the private debt committee of the European Leveraged Finance Association.

Needham expressed his excitement about joining Paul Hastings, stating, “Paul Hastings is generating a reputation as a firm with one of the best restructuring and special situations practices in the legal industry.” He highlighted immediate synergies between his work and the firm’s robust global platform, anticipating collaboration with corporate and finance colleagues in Europe and the United States.

William Needham joins a notable list of recent additions to Paul Hastings’ global financial restructuring and finance teams. These include the Band 1 finance team from Latham & Watkins LLP, restructuring partner Helena Potts from Sherman & Sterling in London, and an 18-partner group of financial restructuring partners who joined from Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in the U.S. last year.

Kris Hansen, Global Co-Chair of Paul Hastings’ restructuring group, emphasized Needham's role as a talented leader, stating, “Will is a talented leader and will be a key player in our efforts to expand our services, geographical reach, and client base.” Needham's addition reinforces the firm's commitment to strengthening its global restructuring capabilities and offering top-tier services to clients worldwide.