Rule 25 . Special masters.

1. A judge may order the appointment from among the members of the bar of this court a special master for the purpose of settlement of cases or for any other proper purpose determined by the judge to whom a particular case has been assigned. 2. Subject to approval by the court, the parties to a civil action may stipulate in writing to, or the judge to whom the case has been assigned may order, the appointment of a special master to report upon particular issues in the case, including the holding of settlement conferences pursuant to Rule 6 of these rules. The stipulation may suggest the special master, in which case the judge may appoint the person named. A special master shall not be appointed to any particular case unless the master consents to such appointment. 3. The compensation of members of the panel of special masters shall be fixed by the court in its discretion, including any necessary disbursements, unless all interested parties consent to a rate of compensation or the special master consents to serve without compensation. Such compensation and disbursements shall be shared equally by the parties and taxed as costs, unless the court directs otherwise.