Very tricky: won green card, should I drop H1B for OPT?

[nike]

Hi peoples,

I found this forum the best on the web in terms of advice. Could you please help me get clarity on my situation?

Papers:
1. have OPT card Aug 09-Aug 10
2. graduated two weeks ago from F-1 (all grace period will be used)
3. have H1b approved to start Oct 09. (actually, not approved yet, I only saw the receipt for Petition for non-immigrant worker, but the lawyer said it's OK)
4. won in green card lottery with low number, people say very likely to get it.

Situation:
my sponsoring employer is on the verge of bankruptcy (tough times), I am looking for another job. Being someone who requires visa sponsorship does not make the job search any easier. I want to leverage my soon-to-be resident alien status and be able to tell prospective employers they won't have to sponsor my visa.

Question:
What would you recommend to do - cancel H1B or pretend I don't know the details and work under OPT until I get the green card? I'd love to ask my H1b lawyer, but I still owe him some money for the paperwork, he has no incentives to answer objectively.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and help.

Cheers,
nike.

[txh1b]

Your OPT is invalid if the H1b gets approved. Working on OPT past Oct 1st or H1b effective date is illegal.

[nike]

Thanks a lot!

txh1b, I appreciate your quick response.

As a matter of update, my lawyer said I will be able to work and re-enter the country once I file for respective permit (which can be filed for together with the application for status adjustment).

Cheers,
nike.