Your lawyer is wrong. The countdown begins from the time the package actually arrives to CIC. Hopefully most will have some form of confirmation from the courier.
Mine was delivered on April 13. So I should hear something on July 13 or the end of July (unless CIC pushes the number of days past 88). It's funny, because I asked the call center agent if it's possible CIC will push the number of days for sponsorship approval past 100 and he laughed and said there's no chance...yeah right...my guess is it will reach 100 days in the next month or so...but whatever happens, nothing any of us can do...just wait and see...
At least some in the January thread are reporting approvals for apps received after January 19. This gives hope that CIC is trying to clear all January apps by the end of April. If that is possible, then there still might be a chance to receive word within 3 months.
We're hoping for the best, saving every penny we can, and planning for the worst...but in the end, it will all work out. I'm not so concerned about the visa, as I am fairly sure it's in the bag, but the time...the time...that's the only thing I am totally uncertain about...
Wish everyone a fast approval and hope that we all get the visa within the 20%!
FS