He was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 1917, but was unable to practice for many years due to military service.

[1][3] Soon thereafter he was drafted into the United States Army and sent oversees with the 101st Field Artillery Regiment.

During the Battle of Château-Thierry, he was nearly killed while reporting his observations to regimental headquarters and led a battery that took out a machine-gun nest.

[1] On November 16, 1934, Needham was raised to the rank of Major General and became commander of the 26th Infantry Division.

[5] On March 16, 1933, Needham left his law practice to become Public Safety Commissioner.

He accepted the position on a temporary basis at the behest of Governor Joseph Ely, who wanted to restore public confidence in the department after charges were brought against the head of the Massachusetts State Police, Captain James T.

[6] As Public Safety Commissioner, Needham reorganized the state police and instituted a number of personnel changes.