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 Washington State, a special master, also known as a master in chancery, is an individual appointed by the court to assist with complex aspects of a lawsuit, particularly during the discovery phase. 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 the examination of highly technical and complex documents that require expertise beyond the legal knowledge of the court. The special master must possess both technical knowledge and legal insight to effectively manage these aspects of the case. The use of a special master is governed by the Washington State court rules and the discretion of the presiding judge, who will determine if the complexity of the case warrants such an appointment to ensure a fair and efficient process.