Timelines for converting L1B to H1B

[abhisheks77]

Hi,
I am on L1B visa in US from past 1 year and seeking to get convert in H1B. But I will need to look for some consultancy for applying H1B for me and my company will not know it, until it is approved. As per a contract with my present company, I can not leave it till next year March (2015) and nor they should know.
When should I start looking for consultants ? When its result will be disclosed ? At that time itself my L1B will be void and immediately I will need to adopt H1B ? I am just trying to understand when would I tell my company that my H1B is done. Please help.
Regards

[bssb77]

My case is also similar

Staying in USA from last one year and current L1 B visa expires by Mar-14 with I-94 validity till Nov-14.

Looking for consultants for sponsoring H visa.

Thanks,
Sridhar