The Indian-born doctor was freed in 2007 after a bungled anti-terrorism case, and is taking defamation proceedings against former immigration minister Kevin Andrews.
Maurice Blackburn partner Rod Hodgson says the court action is the result of the Clarke inquiry, which found Dr Haneef had done nothing to justify his treatment by the former Howard government and Australian Federal Police.
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Mr Hodgson says his firm is in talks with the federal government and the claims may never be pursued, saying proceedings have been filed on Dr Haneef'S behalf as a safeguard to protect his legal rights.
He says they don't intend to advance Dr Haneef'S matter through the court, unless negotiations with the government appear unlikely to be satisfactory.
Doctor Haneef was detained in Brisbane after his mobile phone SIM card was linked to a failed terrorist attack in Britain that year, and held for 12 days, before he was charged with recklessly giving support to a terrorist organisation.
The terrorism charge was later dropped and prosecutors admitted to bungling the case, and Dr Haneef left Australia after Mr Andrews cancelled his visa.
