You be the judge.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is making judicial appointments faster than his "Terminator" sequels.

He made his third L.A.-area appointment in the past month when he tapped Richard S. Kemalyan, 55, of Glendale, to Los Angeles County Superior Court. Kemalyan has been a partner with Dwyer Daly, Brotzen & Bruno LLP since 2000 and ran his own firm, Kemalyan & Richland, for the four years prior. His practice has focused on defensive police misconduct, civil right violations, anti-counterfeit and trademark enforcement work.

"I'm extremely honored," Kemalyan said. "I really enjoyed my practice as a lawyer and I particularly enjoy trying cases, but this offers an opportunity to enter a new phase of my legal career and I look forward to it."

He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael Farrell. Kemalyan, a Republican, will receive an annual salary of $149,160 if confirmed by the Commission on Judicial Appointments.

Gov. Schwarzenegger also appointed Judge Nora M. Manella to the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, Division Four (Los Angeles).

Manella, 55, of Studio City, has been a judge for the Central District of California since 1998. Her career has included stops as U. S. Attorney for the Central District of California and seats on the bench of Los Angeles Superior Court and the Los Angeles County Municipal Court. She also worked four years as an associate at O'Melveny & Myers LLP.

"I'm certainly pleased," Manella said. "This is my fourth judicial appointment and I'm looking forward to doing appellate work, which has been my first love."

Manella said that in her new job she expected to focus more on deciding cases and writing opinions rather than day-to-day case management. She has been on the bench for 12 years.

Manella will fill the vacancy created by Judge Gary Hastings' retirement. She is a Democrat and her compensation will be $170,694.