do i need a lawyer for my appeal hearing with TWC hearing officer

The appeal hearings (usually conducted by telephone conference) are designed to be conducted without attorneys.  Though having one is certainly permitted.  The hearing officer will guide both parties though the process, so you need not worry about knowing when to speak and when not to speak.  However, you should be prepared by knowing what you need to say.  The TWC has rules and guidance on its website about these hearings.  For instance, you should be familiar with why the commission initially denied your claim and be prepared to address why that was incorrect.  If the commission made a factual mistake, then you should have testimony (from yourself or other witnesses) or documents showing that it was incorrect and what the true facts are.  Other witnesses can be joined on the call.  They don't have to be present with you.  On the notice you received with the hearing date and time, there is a fax number or email address to which to send documents in advance of the hearing.  If documents are part of your proof as to why you are entitled to unemployment, make sure to sent them in on time in advance of the hearing and send a copy to the District's HR office.  If there are several documents, I would hand-number each page, so that when you are discussing something on the phone, everyone can get on the same page quickly. If both you and the district are in agreement as to some or all of the facts, but you disagree with the commission's application of a rule or law, then you might think about consulting a lawyer.  However, if you do your reasearch on the commission's website, you will find guidance and interpretation of the rules and laws as well.  You should be prepared to provide the hearing officer with the citation to any guidance or interpretation you find that is helpful to your case. Good luck!