William Needham is a financial restructuring and distressed debt specialist. Earlier this year, he left his role as managing director on KKR’s credit team to co-chair Paul Hastings’ European restructuring practice. Needham has also spent time at Jones day and Weil, Gotshal & Manges as an associate between 2008 and 2014.

Here, he discusses his move from one of the world’s biggest investment managers as well as his plans at the U.S.-led law firm’s London offering.

Why did you initially move away from private practice?