A Christchurch court has heard that a lawyer who admits ripping of clients for millions of dollars has brought his occupation into disrepute.

John Milne has been sentenced to eight years and one month in prison, following convictions relating to the ponzi scheme he was running, that took over $2 million from investors.

Judge Jane Farish told Milne, his actions had tarnished the reputation of lawyers through-out the country.

"As a lawyer we trade on honesty and integrity. That's a promise you make when you're sworn in and you have abused that."