The lawyers representing porn actress Stormy Daniels and US President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer have engaged in a heated, face-to-face confrontation in courthouse hallway.

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for Ms Daniels, and Brent Blakely, who represents Michael Cohen, exchanged accusations on Monday local time in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Santa Monica.

Mr Avenatti accused Mr Blakely of representing a felon, prompting Mr Blakely responded that Mr Avenatti is a felon.

Mr Avenatti said he’s never been convicted of a crime.

Cohen has pleaded guilty to several felonies and admitted funnelling money to Ms Daniels to keep her quiet about an affair she claims to have had with Mr Trump in 2006.

It’s not clear what Mr Blakely was referring to, although Mr Anenatti was arrested last month on suspicion of domestic violence.

Prosecutors declined bringing felony charges against Mr Avenatti. They are investigating whether he should face a misdemeanour charge for allegations he assaulted a girlfriend.

Mr Avenatti has denied wrongdoing.

Mr Aventi slammed the legal costs demanded by Mr Trump’s lawyers. Photo: Getty

Meanwhile Mr Trump’s lawyers want the judge to award $US340,000 ($461,000) in legal fees for successfully defending him against defamation claims by Ms Daniels.

Attorneys were due in Los Angeles federal court on Monday to make their case that gamesmanship by Ms Daniels’ lawyer led to expensive legal costs.

Ms Daniels sued Mr Trump after he dismissed her claims of being threatened to keep quiet about their alleged tryst as a “total con job”.

A judge, ruling Mr Trump’s statement was an exaggeration aimed at a political rival, threw out the case in October. He said the President could recoup legal fees.

Mr Avenatti said the amount sought was staggering and shouldn’t exceed $US25,000 ($34,000).

-with AAP