Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - 17 weeks in

My claim was denied after 17 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. This is my first time dealing with any of this. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.

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