Barristers at a number of leading chambers have received silk status in the latest round of QC appointments announced today (19 February).

Brick Court Chambers saw four of its members – Alan Maclean, Fergus Randolph, Aidan Robertson and Mark Hoskins (pictured) – receive the accolade, while One Essex Court's David Wolfson, Daniel Toledano and Alain Choo-Choy all claimed the elite kitemark.

Fountain Court, Blackstone Chambers and Four Pump Court each saw two barristers gain QC status.

However, top set Essex Court only saw one member – Christopher Smith – take silk, as did a number of other top sets including 3 Verulam Buildings, 11 Stone Buildings and 7 King's Bench Walk.

Three solicitor advocates gained silk – Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton disputes partner Romano Subiotto, Debevoise and Plimpton litigation partner Peter Rees and disputes partner Judith Gill of Allen & Overy.

One hundred and four out of a total of 247 applicants were awarded QC status, a success rate of 42% – a significant increase on the 2007-08 figure of 29%.

However, the total of 247 applications received by the QC selection panel was a sharp drop from last year's total of 333 and a further fall from the 443 applicants in 2006-07.

Nicholas Hill, senior practice manager at 3 Verulam Buildings, commented: "The process itself was clear with updates via the website and an updated timetable; it was also good that it was an annual process. It said what it was going to do."

Among those awarded silk include 16 women from a total of 29 female applicants – the highest-ever success rate (55%) for women in a silk round and four out of 15 ethnic minority applicants.

The new QCs, who formally take silk on 30 March, will be expected to pay a £3,500 fee – £500 more than last year – on top of the initial application fee.