After I filed I290B to NSC 4 months later, I got lette from NSC in which they said they transferred my case to D.C. That means MTR did not pass and the case have to go appeal process. 8 more months later my case got approved after appeal.
My friend did exact same thing with me but his case was approved during MTR in NSC. it took 3 months and he got his GC already.
This is what happened in 2 years ago. I think it is still same process so I say your lawyer is right.
I don't think it is nice to say your lawyer does not know anything, he or she should know more things in law field than you, should'nt he or she?
I hope this will help you.