Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? after 17 years as a customer-service rep

My claim was denied after 3 weeks of waiting, and the letter says I have a short window to appeal. This is my first time dealing with any of this. 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?

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

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