Just last fall, the attention of the international legal community in Asia was riveted on the bold moves and mergers several firms were undertaking in the region. Such moves reflected widespread confidence that Asian markets represented the future of the global profession and would continue to grow, in contrast to the sluggish and stagnant U.S. and Europe.

That confidence may yet be rewarded, but firms are starting the new year confronting the uncomfortable fact that Asia is now slowing too.