Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? - 12 weeks in

My claim was denied after 12 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

Legal aid offices and some workforce centres help with unemployment hearings at no cost. A call is worth it.

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