yes, you can apply for OPT.

what do you need the opt for when you have applied for i765?

you already changed your status, you are not F1 anymore

my lawyer suggested not to apply since it may violate opt rule, but I have seen multiple people who applied and got opt

I applied STEM OPT on 7/16 and applied AOS on 7/19 with the same lawyers. I already got my STEM OPT. applying for OPT will be considered maintaining status by USCIS. Go ahead and apply for it as AOS EAD can take forever to be approved. Don’t be out of work for no reason. I also had an approved H1B petition. none of those (H1B and AOS) affected my STEM OPT application.

@optima humanas Thanks for your help, but you applied OPT before AOS , Can you apply for OPT After AOS??? my AOS paper is already sent

Yes. It is considered maintaining status. there is USCIS guidance on that I will link it when I find it.

Remember for you to do AOS if you are not a souse of a US Citizen you should have maintained lawful status till the time they are adjudicating your case