A special master or master in chancery is an individual appointed by the court to assist with some part of a lawsuit, such as discovery—depositions, written questions, and production of documents—and to make recommendations to the judge on how to resolve related disputes. Courts have held that discovery questions that require extensive examination of highly technical and complex documents by a person having both a technical and a legal background may constitute an exceptional condition sufficient to justify the appointment of a master to supervise such discovery.

In Illinois, a special master or master in chancery can be appointed by the court to assist with complex aspects of a lawsuit, particularly during the discovery phase. This appointment is typically made under exceptional circumstances where the issues at hand require a specialized understanding of both technical and legal matters. The role of the special master is to oversee the discovery process, which may include managing depositions, written questions, and the production of documents. They also provide recommendations to the judge on how to resolve disputes related to the discovery. The appointment of a special master is governed by Illinois state statutes and rules of civil procedure, which outline the conditions and procedures for such an appointment. The use of a special master is intended to ensure that complex and technical evidence is handled efficiently and accurately, aiding the court in the administration of justice.