So far this year, four global firms have pulled back from operating in mainland China, either by closing offices or severing ties with a partner firm. While the coronavirus outbreak—which initially had a larger impact in Asia—certainly exacerbated the challenges in China, the moves by Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Stephenson Harwood, McDermott Will & Emery and Vinson & Elkins are part of a continuous trend of global law firms reassessing their China practices as the market changes.