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 Utah, a special master, sometimes referred to as a master in chancery, is an individual appointed by the court to assist in complex aspects of a lawsuit, particularly in the discovery process. This role involves overseeing depositions, managing written questions, and handling the production of documents. The appointment of a special master is typically justified under exceptional conditions, such as when a case involves highly technical and complex documents that require the expertise of someone with both technical knowledge and a legal background. Utah courts may appoint a special master when they determine that the complexity of the issues or the need for specialized knowledge makes such an appointment necessary to facilitate the just, speedy, and economical determination of the case. The use of a special master is governed by the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 53, which outlines the procedure for the appointment, powers, duties, and compensation of a special master.