Hiring a lawyer cost money and it is possible that it may not help much.
But if you get a good lawyer, you can benefit the followings:
-first, you delegate the work to the lawyer, so that itself takes off psychological burden off of yourself... you would feel better. The burden is heavy for most of people having to fight against injust former employer who lied and played dirty tricks, and having to deal with different levels of government agency and government bureaurcrates, meanhwile, having to study the law, and look for job. The stress level is psychological, financial, legal and beyond.. Many people would not be able to handle that.
-a good lawyer knows the law and procedures. he/she can teach you what to say, what not to say, what to expect and what to write down.. he/she can predict "attacks" and prepare "rebuttles" before the attacks come. that saves you a lot of time to study and research the law and procedures as an amteur.
-The fact that you have a legal representation adds "weight" in your case, it may scare the other party a little, and it also prompts government personnel to take your case more seriously. Especially you know they have stereotypes about Asian or Chinese being "weak and meek".
-research to see if you can find some Pro Bono lawyers who can work for free or with little fee. call lawyer referral place at your city again and see if they can help you.
best of luck.
