Phillips, 75, died last Friday after a long illness.

Victorian Premier John Brumby said on Tuesday that Phillips had been a passionate and highly-respected leader of the justice system.

"Chief Justice Phillips was a man of great integrity who was dedicated to ensuring the law was prosecuted with fairness, rigour and scrupulous administration," Mr Brumby said.

"As a barrister, he was known as a quiet, yet devastating cross examiner, with his most significant trial defending Lindy Chamberlain.

"He was also committed to helping the most disadvantaged members of the community, regularly performing pro-bono work long before it was fashionable."

Described as "Our Chief Justice" by LIV President Bill O'Shea in recognition of his high standing in the Victorian community, his tenure saw significant expansion and re-organisation of the state's courts.

The funeral will be held on Friday August 14 at 11am at St Patrick's Cathedral.