Gadens partner John Dalzell said the secondments were implemented in order to give summer clerks first-hand experience of the issues facing in-house counsel.

"Understanding a client's strategic business objectives and the role in-house lawyers play in assisting the business implement that strategy is essential if you are to provide meaningful support to the in-house lawyers and the business," Dalzell said, adding that the best young lawyers want to be given access to clients from day one.

"We believe it's important that our youngest lawyers get an understanding of our client's legal and commercial needs early in their careers to help them be more dynamic and practical lawyers."

The firm's Sydney office has eight summer clerks in total. The other two are being seconded to Salvos Legal.