Denied unemployment, how do I appeal? - what worked for you?

My claim was denied after 18 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. There are 4 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. Should I ask someone for free legal help?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.