If you have been let go, or constructively terminated, you may apply for unemployment. Your employer may then contest the granting of unemployment benefits for various reasons. The E.D.D., after an investigation and interviews, will then make a determination if you are eligible for unemployment. If you are denied, you may appeal and have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). If the employer loses, and you are granted benefits, the employer may appeal and have a hearing with an ALJ. While these hearings may be more informal than a court hearing or trial, they often deal with complex legal issues and can be intimidating without an attorney. Moreover, if you are considering other legal action related to the employer, it may be an opportunity to help your case. Unfortunately, without proper representation, you could also potentially hurt your case. This is why it is very important to have a lawyer help represent you in the process.