By Allissa Wickham
Law360, New York (July 08, 2014, 8:42 PM ET) — If you’re an attorney with a knack for complex litigation, you may someday be asked to serve as a special master when a case threatens to consume an excessive amount of a court’s already-scarce time.
Appointed by a judge to oversee specific issues in a suit, a special master’s duties can truly run the gamut and may cover anything from resolving discovery issues to overseeing the administration of a class action settlement.
Given the complex and often highly technical nature of these assignments, serving as a special master might feel like a formidable endeavor — but it doesn’t have to be. After speaking with several experienced special masters, Law360 has compiled five tips for achieving a smooth, productive process if you ever find yourself in this role.