Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 7 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. I have read a lot of threads here and could not find my exact situation. I have not done a hearing before and I am nervous. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

I printed my emails in order and wrote a one-page timeline. The hearing officer kept going back to it.