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 Michigan, a special master, also known as a 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 Michigan Court Rules, which provide the legal framework for such appointments. The role of the special master includes overseeing depositions, managing the exchange of written questions and documents, and making recommendations to the judge on resolving disputes that arise during discovery. The appointment of a special master is often justified when the case involves highly technical or complex documents that require the expertise of someone with both technical knowledge and a legal background. The use of a special master is considered an exceptional measure, reserved for circumstances where their specialized skills are necessary to efficiently manage and resolve issues that are beyond the typical scope of the court's resources.