What’s in a Name When It Comes to Title Inflation?

Like many organizations, title inflation has befallen law firms. Over the last decade, starting with the move of executive directors to chief operating officer titles, most functional managers have seen their titles elevated to the "C" level. Recruiter Michael DeCosta says that, while well intentioned, such titles can have a reverse effect on everyone as they cheapen the meaningfulness of the level. But used correctly, he says, they can represent a way to reward -- and, in theory, retain -- talent.