SPECIAL MASTERS PROGRAM
ABOUT THE SPECIAL MASTERS PROGRAM
The Special Masters Program was first launched by the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) in 1976 to help the New York court system manage its congested calendars during a statewide budget crisis. 350 NYCLA lawyers volunteered to serve as Special Masters of the courts to relieve the burden.  The program was relaunched in 2021 with a focus on creating a pipeline for attorneys of color and other underrepresented communities to volunteer in the courts and inspire them to become judges. The new program is administered in partnership with the Unified Court System and the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.
Special Masters work closely with an assigned Justice of the Supreme Court (Civil Term) and assist with various tasks based on the needs of the Court. Tasks may include handling discovery conferences, settlement conferences, conducting legal research, drafting memos of law advising the Court on pretrial and trial issues, preparing written recommendations on resolving motions, etc.
The 2025 Special Masters Program will begin volunteering beginning September 2025 for a one-year term ending on the last day of August 2026. Special Masters who have satisfactorily completed their one-year term may seek to continue on for another term.
Since the program was relaunched in 2021, it has been expanded to include Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens counties and is co-sponsored by bar associations from each county, including the New York County Lawyers Association; the Bronx County Bar Association; the Brooklyn Bar Association; and the Queens County Bar Association.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
In order to be considered for the Program, applicants must:
- Commit to becoming a member of one of the four participating bar associations if accepted into the Program and maintain their membership throughout their time as a Special Master. The four participating bar associations include the New York County Lawyers Association; the Bronx County Bar Association; the Brooklyn Bar Association; and the Queens County Bar Association.
- Be admitted to practice law in the State of New York and have practiced law for at least five years as of the application date.
- Submit a complete application.
- Be able to volunteer for a maximum of 12 hours per month for up to one year.
- Be able to complete mandatory training during their term as a Special Master.
How to Apply
In order to apply to the Program, please submit your resume, a one-page letter indicating why you are interested in serving as a Special Master and how you are qualified for the role, and a writing sample (maximum 10 pages).Â
Email the documents to the attention of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, with the subject line: Special Masters Program at: FHWSpecialMasters@nycourts.gov.
The application DEADLINE is Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 5pm.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is an ideal candidate for the Special Master Program?
While there is no specific profile of an ideal candidate for our Program, our most successful candidates are those that have:
- a strong interest in getting a realistic insight into what it is like to serve as a judge;
- effective communications skills, including dealing with self-represented litigants;
- a high aptitude in legal research and writing;
- a proficiency in understanding and using the Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR);
- an exceptional ability to handle assignments independently and complete assignments in a timely manner, without the need for regular follow up from the Court;
- a need for guidance and mentorship from a Supreme Court justice on how to become a judge, either through election or appointment; etc.
Are Special Masters compensated for their work?
The Special Masters Program is a volunteer program; however, participants will receive at least five hours of complimentary CLE credits as part of their training. Additionally, special masters will have a unique opportunity to work closely with and be mentored by a Justice of the Supreme Court.
What training is involved to be a Special Master?
As part of the Program, applicants are required to complete training sessions covering topics such as ethics, drafting decisions and orders, handling discovery and settlement conferences, and other important topics.
Where will Special Masters be assigned to volunteer?
Special Masters will be assigned to volunteer with a Justice of the Supreme Court, Civil Term in New York County. Assignments include helping Justices in the general IAS parts and specialized parts, including the City Part, Transit Part, Motor Vehicle Part, and others. Assignments will depend on the needs of the Court, the candidate’s legal experience, and history of volunteering as a special master.
Are applicants for the Special Masters Program required to have experience in a specific area of law?
No. There is no requirement to practice in a specific area of law, however, lawyers who have experience in civil litigation and working knowledge of New York state court practice are strongly encouraged to apply. However, lawyers with litigation backgrounds in areas other than civil practice are also welcome.