About the Special Masters Program

The Special Masters Program was first launched in 1976 to help the New York court system cope with a statewide budget crisis that slowed down court operations.  The New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) mobilized 350 lawyers to volunteer as Special Masters to help relieve that burden. This year, BCBA is launching the Special Masters Program in Bronx County 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. Special Masters will be mentored by the Justices they volunteer with and get a feel for working on cases from an impartial perspective.  The new program will be administered in partnership with the Unified Court System and the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission.

Special Masters will work closely with an assigned Justice of the Supreme Court (Civil) 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, prepare written recommendations on resolving motions, etc.

Requirements

In order to be considered for the Program, applicants must:

• Commit to becoming a member of BCBA if they are selected as Special Masters and remain a member throughout the duration of their service.
• Have practiced law for at least seven (7) years as of the application date (litigation experience preferred).
• Submit a complete application 
• Be able to volunteer for a maximum of 12 hours per month for a minimum of one (1) year.
• Be able to complete mandatory training before starting as a Special Master.

How to Apply

In order to apply to be a Speical Master in Bronx County, please submit your resume; a writing sample of no more than 10 pages; and a one-page letter indicating why you are interested in serving as a Special Master and how you are qualified for the role to the attention of Sophia Hershman and Raymond Fernandez, Bronx County Special Masters Coordinators. Email your application package to specialmastersbronx@gmail.com.

The application deadline is now closed. Please check back for future opportunities.
 
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Special Masters compensated for their work?
           The Special Masters Program is a volunteer program; however, participants will receive approximately six (6) hours of complimentary CLE credits as part of their training. Additionally, Special Masters will have a unique opportunity to work closely and be mentored by a Justice of the Supreme Court.

2. 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.

3. Does BCBA offer membership discounts to new members?
           Yes. BCBA offers a variety of membership levels. Please register at www.bronxbar.com or email us with any questions at bronxbar1@gmail.com. 

4. 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 Bronx 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. Hon. Doris M. Gonzalez, Administrative Judge, Supreme Court, Bronx County (Civil) will serve as a mentor and has appointed the folloiwng Justices to serve as mentors: Hon. Adrian Armstrong, Hon. Joseph E. Capella, Hon. Andrew J. Cohen and Hon. Alicia Gerez.