# Special Master

> An attorney or retired judge appointed by the court to assist with case management, discovery disputes, or settlement negotiations in complex litigation like MDLs.

**Category:** Legal Procedure
**Canonical URL:** https://drugsmonitor.com/glossary/special-master
**Last updated:** 2026-06-11

Special masters are commonly appointed in mass tort MDLs to manage specific tasks such as facilitating settlement negotiations, ruling on discovery disputes, evaluating claims, or administering settlement funds. Their role is defined by the appointing court.

Special masters with subject-matter expertise can streamline MDL proceedings by handling complex scientific or technical issues and making recommendations to the presiding judge. Their recommendations may be reviewed by the court.

In settlement contexts, special masters may oversee the claims administration process, resolve disputes about settlement eligibility, and ensure that settlement funds are distributed according to the agreement terms.

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*Glossary entry from DrugsMonitor.com.*