Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Re: Two weeks notice and pay

There is no law that obligates an employee to give two weeks notice or an employer to pay two weeks salary in lieu of notice. The only such obligation may come from a contractual commitment entered into.

Whether such a contract exists in your case is questionable. Company manuals often have disclaimers that state the policies contained in them are not to be construed as a contract. You will need to review the manual closely. You also do not state the "reasons stated above", upon which they will pay two week's salary.

Generally, employers can terminate the employee anytime, and often do after the employee gives their notice, to prevent any damage that can be done to company property or from being a negative influence on co-workers. Some employers do appreciate the professional courtesy. You need to have a feel for the kind of people you are working for and how they will react to giving them notice of your leaving and hope they will respond appropriately.