Also known as: standing masters · special master
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A court-appointed official who assists with complex or ongoing pretrial or post-trial matters such as damages calculations, fee determinations, or discovery oversight. The appointment allows the court to delegate specialized or time-intensive tasks while retaining ultimate authority over the case.
Wesley intensified fundraising for Judge Nancy after learning she would appoint a neutral investigator for stadium litigation. He raised over fifty thousand dollars from clients and colleagues, then applied for the role. Judge Nancy appointed him standing master without a competitive process. The timing and targeted solicitations show the contributions were made to obtain the appointment.
Samuel Soto sued a state hospital alleging violations of federal disability law. The district court appointed a standing master to review institutional records and recommend remedies. The state objected that the appointment effectively subjected it to federal oversight without consent. The standing master proceeded with fact-finding while the court addressed the immunity challenge.
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Simon Stern sued Stonehaven Properties alleging widespread employment discrimination. After class certification, the court appointed a standing master to calculate individual back-pay awards. The master reviewed thousands of personnel files and issued a report. The parties then objected to portions of the report before the district judge.
Sabrina Shah obtained an injunction against a photographer who had repeatedly followed her. The court appointed a standing master to monitor compliance and resolve disputes over the scope of permitted activities. The master reviewed surveillance logs and issued periodic reports. Violations led to contempt proceedings before the district judge.
Sebastian Santos, as trustee, sued a creditor to recover allegedly fraudulent transfers. The bankruptcy court appointed a standing master to conduct an evidentiary hearing on the transfers. The master made findings on intent and value. The district court reviewed the report de novo before entering judgment.
Sylvia Santos challenged state voting procedures under federal law. The district court appointed a standing master to oversee compliance with preclearance requirements. The master collected data on registration rates and reported to the court. The state sought to terminate the appointment after changes in federal oversight.
A court may appoint a standing master to assist with complex or ongoing tasks such as damages calculations or discovery supervision when the issues require specialized attention or would consume excessive judicial resources. The appointment is governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 53 and related provisions that permit referral of fee and accounting issues without the ordinary limitations of Rule 53(a)(1).
No. When a court appoints a standing master to resolve damages after granting summary judgment on liability, the liability order remains interlocutory. Appellate jurisdiction requires a single final judgment that resolves the entire case, including the accounting performed by the master.
Yes. Model Rule 7.6 prohibits a lawyer from accepting appointment as a standing master or similar position if the lawyer made or solicited political contributions for the purpose of obtaining or being considered for that appointment. The rule focuses on whether the contributions would not have been made but for the desire to secure the position.
…detailed decrees in these cases;" "(b) if so, what specific issues should the decrees reach;" "(c) should this Court appoint a special master to hear evidence with a view to recommending specific terms for such decrees;" "(d) should this Court remand to the courts of first instance with directions to frame decrees in these cases…