the only clasue here that might put you in trouble is " few courses to cover to graduate" .

even if you file H1B without a letter from your school that you have completed all the courses required to graduate, you might get a RFE . You can file for H1B even if you dont have a diploma but if you have completed your courses.

but if you are applying  based on a degree you already have, then it would be fine.

my suggestion would be,  not to worry about H1B for now, it wont get filled quickly, as it used to be. But if you decided to go for it now, it might take some time for processing  even if you do the premium processing and nowadays i heard there are more chances of RFEs.

if you can afford to wait then it would be a good option to wait for couple of months  and get the H1B, but if you REALLY have to go, its a safe option to go on CPT.  Make sure you have the proper documents required , from your university (even better that if it shows you are enrolled in classes ) and from your employer. 

and your lawyer is right, do not just rely on friends ...... they are not the ones who will be under water if something goes wrong

good luck !