Marshall, Asian-American Leah Lewis, and previously Latino David Del Rio before his firing amid sexual assault allegations echoing #MeToo dynamics. Episodes incorporate noticeable progressive themes such as the opioid crisis tied to big pharma corruption, #MeToo workplace harassment, police misconduct, wrongful convictions framed as social justice issues, and subversion of ageism against older women, with creator Jennie Snyder Urman emphasizing defiance of Hollywood ageism.

Additional elements include lesbian characters appearing in subplots without narrative buildup, contributing to criticisms of unorganic inclusion. These factors influence case selections, character motivations, and firm dynamics but remain subplots rather than the foundational premise of a clever septuagenarian lawyer infiltrating a firm for personal revenge over her daughter's death. Audience reactions include pockets of backlash labeling it 'woke BS' with forced diversity and political messaging, though the show's procedural entertainment value and Bates' performance drive broad reception without major 'go woke go broke' fallout.