Can an attorney representing himself be denied attorney fees in a personal injury case?

[150 Cal.App.3d 1189] A similar approach was taken by a federal appeals court in concluding that attorney fees should not be denied simply because the litigant is an attorney representing himself. "The appellees have actually suffered pecuniary loss, since they have been required to take time away from their practices to prepare and defend the suit. [Citation.] Legal services have actually been performed." (Ellis v. Cassidy (9th Cir.1980) 625 F.2d 227, 231.)