Only CIC can answer this question for certain and they'll answer it when you submit your application. The short answer is that it's quite possible it could impact your application and it's possible it might not.
Sounds like you've spoken to a couple of immigration lawyers already. If you haven't yet engaged a top-of-the-line immigration lawyer - do it now. This is not a do-it-yourself case. Expect to spend 3-5K.