Trying To Identify The Type Of Lawyer(s) I Need To Contact

Obviously not seeking recommendations for specific lawyers as per the rules, but I have been having difficulty trying to find and retain a lawyer based upon the situation I find myself in.

So after graduating with my degree, I was desperate and looking for a job. I had racked up a significant amount of debt to pay for incidentals not covered by student loans and other funds. The first job I took ended up under this company that definitely misclassifies its workers as independent contractors. They flew me out to Arizona for unnecessary training, gave me tools and supplies, and business cards (with someone elses name on them of course). They set 15% of your pay laid out in the job listing as 'bonus' pay to make sure they got at least 4 appointments out of you to control your time on the clock. I ended up blowing through the remainder of my savings trying to keep gas in my car and food on the table during this time. (Worked 10-14 hours/day, driving up to 150 miles as dispatch did not attempt to make anything efficient) I did sign a document agreeing to be liable for appointments on my schedule if I quit without 2 weeks notice, which I did. There were 4 appointments on my schedule when I quit on the spot (I have documentation of this) I was unable to even bill them for the pay they owed me as it was locked behind a portal in which my access was revoked. But the value of my pay exceeded the 4 appointment, which they threatened to bill me for, so I was content to call it square. About a month later, they billed me for the flight, hotel room, training cost, tools, and over 8 appointments they continued to book after I had quit. I filed a complaint with the IRS stating I felt that they had misclassified me to avoid tax liability, but never heard anything. I believe it is possibly to file a request with the IRS to have them determine my employment status, but that is something I am planning to do when I file for an extension and do my taxes this year (and undoubtedly have the employer tell the IRS I owe tax on money I did not collect)

As for the debt that I have accrued, I have been saving money and trying to pay off as much debt as possible, but unfortunately it seems that they have hired a law firm and filed a civil lawsuit to recover the money. I also still have 4-5 other open accounts at this time that I am trying to pay down.

So at this time, I believe I likely will need to hire a lawyer if not to negotiate the debt down for the civil lawsuit and other accounts, but to possibly address the issue with my former employer and their (in my opinion) misclassifying me for their financial benefit. However, I have not been able to even obtain a full consult either on a commission basis or a retainer, as I do understand I will likely need to sink money into a lawyer as well. It seems that either I am approaching the wrong type of practice or I have a fundamental misunderstanding about my situation.

So: Do I need a lawyer? What type of lawyer do I need if so?