Trying to convert to H1B from OPT

Hello,

I recently graduated from college the past december. I have been working at a firm that promised me to sponsor H-1B visa since. Right now, I’m on OPT and my EAD card expires on Jan 10th of 2013.

I learned from firm’s immigration lawyer yesterday that 2012 quota for H-1b visa was already filled. I was also informed that only viable option available for me at this time is to file H-1B for next year’s quota, in the meantime, taking a break from work and leaving the country until i get my H-1B approval.

Is there any way I can stay and work for the firm continously?

Thank you so much,